Liverpool earned a much-needed win at the San Siro, and they did it without Mohamed Salah for the first time in a Champions League away game since 2009. After a difficult few days and plenty of noise around the club, this victory gave Arne Slot and his players something positive to take home.
Dominik Szoboszlai scored the only goal of the match from the penalty spot. Normally, Salah would have taken it, but this time he was almost 1,000 miles away. Szoboszlai stepped up with confidence and delivered when Liverpool needed him most.
When the final whistle blew, the players walked toward the away supporters, who sang Slot’s name loudly. It showed how important this win felt for the team and the fans.
A Much-Needed Boost for Liverpool
This was Liverpool’s fourth win at the San Siro in recent years, but it felt bigger than the others. After nine defeats in the last twelve matches, the team finally looked more stable. Slot made tactical adjustments, the defence stayed solid, and Liverpool kept a clean sheet after their collapse at Leeds.
The squad was short and travelled with only 19 players, but the spirit and unity were clear. Virgil van Dijk said the team must “stick together” and stay focused on improving. Andy Robertson also admitted that recent performances were not good enough and that staying in the Champions League is essential for the club.
The Salah Situation
Questions about Salah were impossible to avoid. Clarence Seedorf suggested players sometimes simply “make mistakes.” Slot responded by saying everyone makes mistakes, but whether Salah realises it is his own responsibility. Van Dijk did not blame anyone directly and said there was no point in pointing fingers.
Salah trained normally before the match, and the situation will be clearer when the team returns on Friday. For now, he remains part of the squad.
Szoboszlai Steps Up
This night belonged to the players who were on the pitch, especially Szoboszlai. He has been involved in more goals than any other Liverpool player this season. Slot praised his work rate, explaining that he was one of the few who played all four matches in 10 days. The penalty was his first for Liverpool in a competitive game, and he handled the pressure perfectly.
Winning in Milan is never easy. Inter had been unbeaten in 18 Champions League home games, which makes Liverpool’s victory even more impressive.
Liverpool Look Forward
Slot said the team should enjoy this win and focus on the performance rather than the drama around Salah. He expects more questions about the situation on Friday, but he wants the attention to stay on the players who delivered in Milan.
With or without Salah, Liverpool showed they can still compete, still fight, and still win important matches.