Liverpool player ratings, heroes and villains as Firmino and Konate impress in Inter Milan victory

Liverpool have one foot in the door of the Champions League quarter-finals after victory over Inter Milan in the last-16 first leg at the San Siro.

The Reds were not at their best but second-half goals from Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah delivered a 2-0 win.

And it has given Jurgen Klopp’s side a huge advantage heading into the return clash at Anfield next month.

It was Inter who had the best chance of the first half when Hakan Calhanoglu found himself space inside the box but saw his shot hit the crossbar.

Liverpool’s most clear-cut opportunity of the opening 45 minutes fell to Sadio Mane but he headed over.

The second period proved just as tight, with goalscoring moments few and far between for much of it.

On 72 minutes, Denzel Dumfries’ bullet header at the near post from the home side didn’t go far off target.

And three minutes later, the deadlock was finally broken - and it was the Reds who gained the advantage.

Andy Robertson swung in a corner and Firmino glanced a header home.

Then Liverpool doubled their lead with seven minutes remaining when Salah’s effort found the back of the net via a deflection.

The heroes

- Roberto Firmino: was introduced as a half-time substitute and proved the match-winner with a fine header. It wasn’t just Firmino’s goal that proved a difference, though. His movement created space and gaps in the Inter defence while his work-rate off the ball was excellent.

- Mo Salah: by no means the Egyptian’s best game this season - or his prettiest goal. But they all count and Salah gambled where the ball would drop to firmly put Liverpool a step closer to the last eight of the competition.

- Ibrahima Konate: the pick of the Liverpool defence. Replacing Joel Matip at centre-back, Konate was well placed to make several key blocks and thwart the danger. The Reds are still yet to lose when he’s played since his summer move from RB Leipzig.

The villains

- Arturo Vidal: gave away the corner and then a foul that led to both of Liverpool’s goals. Very poor for the latter, especially, given his experience.

- Simone Inzaghi: the Inter boss introduced his substitutes far too late. Needed fresh legs after Liverpool had introduced reinforcements. Now his side face exiting the Champions League.

Player ratings

Inter: Handanovic 5, Skriniar 5, De Vrij 5 (Ranocchia 87), Bastoni 5, Dumfries 6 (Darmian 87), Vidal 4 (Gagliardina 87), Brozovic 6, Calhanoglu 6, Perisic 7, Dzeko 5, Martinez 6 (Sanchez 70; 5).

Liverpool: Alisson 6, Alexander-Arnold 6, Konate 8, Van Dijk 7, Robertson 6, Fabinho 7 (Henderson 59; 7), Thiago 6 (Milner 85), Elliott 6 (Keita 59; 6), Mane 6 (Diaz 59; 7), Salah 6, Jota 5 (Firmino 46; 7).

What’s Liverpool’s next fixture

The Reds are back in action in the Premier League on Saturday.

They welcome relegation-threatened Norwich City to Anfield (15.00).