Liverpool beat Inter 1-0, Szoboszlai scored from the penalty.

The penalty in the 88th minute decided everything. Dominik Szoboszlai calmly slotted the ball into the right corner of Yann Sommer's net, securing a 1-0 victory for Liverpool at San Siro in the sixth matchday of the Champions League qualifying round. This result keeps Arne Slot's team's hopes alive of finishing in the top eight and securing direct qualification to the round of 16.

The decisive moment

The turning point came in the 86th minute: Florian Wirtz, who had just come on for Liverpool, was fouled by Alessandro Bastoni inside the penalty area. After consulting VAR, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Szoboszlai took responsibility and made no mistake, sealing a 1-0 victory in the 88th minute.

Main developments

Inter Milan started the match with home advantage but failed to impose the tempo as expected. Their most significant chance in the first half came from a situation that forced Alisson Becker to make a superb save, but Lautaro Martinez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan lacked accuracy in their final shots.

Liverpool took the initiative in attack with the striking duo of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, supported by dynamic forwards like Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai. The Reds created consistent pressure but lacked a sharp enough finish to capitalize on their advantage in the first 45 minutes. In the 32nd minute, VAR intervened due to Ekitike's handball before it reached Ibrahima Konate, cutting off a promising chance.

Adjustments and tactical impacts

After the break, Inter made changes to increase the pressure, with coach Cristian Chivu bringing on Carlos Augusto and Ange-Yoan Bonny, hoping their width and speed would stretch Liverpool's defense. However, the visitors maintained a disciplined defensive structure around the 16-yard box, significantly limiting the number of balls entering the center.

On Liverpool's side, the decision to substitute Isak for Wirtz to increase creativity in the central wing proved effective. Wirtz moved flexibly between Inter's defensive flanks, leading to a collision with Bastoni that resulted in a penalty. Further back, Alisson played intelligently in late-game situations, keeping the visitors firm against Inter's late-game pressure.

The rhythm of the game and key details

• VAR intervened early: in the 32nd minute, Ekitike's handball before reaching Konate cost Liverpool a chance to create a breakthrough.
• The difference from the bench: Wirtz came on and immediately created the opportunity that led to a penalty in the 86th minute.
• A moment of composure: Szoboszlai chose the right corner to beat Sommer from the penalty spot in the 88th minute.
• Confident in goal: Alisson made some safe saves, especially in the second half when Inter increased their pace.

Impact on rankings

The victory helped Liverpool temporarily maintain their position in the top 8 of the Champions League standings, keeping them in pursuit of a direct spot in the round of 16. Inter suffered their second defeat in the qualifying round but still remain in 5th place, three places ahead of Liverpool.

Results and goal scorers

Result:Inter 0-1 Liverpool

Goals:Dominik Szoboszlai 88' (pen)