Liverpool beat Inter 1-0 at San Siro: 200 million euros and Salah

Liverpool left San Siro with a spirited 1-0 victory in the Champions League, easing the pressure after a turbulent period. But behind the glory lie unanswered questions: the £200 million strike partnership of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitz is still struggling to find its rhythm, while Mohamed Salah's future remains uncertain following an internal disciplinary action. The brightest spot was Ibrahima Konate, whose tight defensive command resulted in Inter suffering their first home defeat in the Champions League in three years.

• Result: Inter 0-1 Liverpool (Champions League)
• Isak and Ekitike started together for the first time since October.
• Konate played solidly alongside Joe Gomez; Inter's unbeaten home run in the Champions League ended after 3 years.
• Salah is suspended due to internal disciplinary action and will not play; Cody Gakpo is injured, and Federico Chiesa is ill.

Tactical choke point: when a choice must be made that involves taking risks.

Arne Slot was forced to field both Isak and Ekitike in the starting lineup – for the first time since October – due to a shortage of attacking options. Mohamed Salah was left out due to internal disciplinary action, Cody Gakpo was injured, and Federico Chiesa was ill, making the personnel situation extremely difficult.

In that context, Liverpool opted for a more pragmatic approach, prioritizing organization and discipline. Ekitike showed dynamism, frequently moving to create opportunities for breaking down the press. However, the link between him and Isak was still disjointed: some overlapping runs, and a lack of coordination at crucial moments meant that promising chances didn't translate into quality shots.

Isak – the record-breaking £125 million signing – has yet to reach the level of ball control and killer instinct expected of him. He makes efforts in first-touch challenges and dropping back to link up, but it's not enough to create a strong connection with his partner. The answer to the "200 million pound strike partnership" problem still requires more time in training and in real match situations.

Konate and a night of Milan's transformation.

While Liverpool's attack remains underdeveloped, their defense is as impenetrable as a steel door. Ibrahima Konate – the target of much criticism recently – has stepped up at the right time. Alongside Joe Gomez, the French center-back plays calmly, winning many one-on-one situations, reading the game early to stifle the movements of Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram.

Inter were neutralized in the central midfield spaces, with their runs into the flanks often being blocked before the pass could reach the goal. Konate's composure in his initial touches and his positioning eased the pressure on the midfield. Slot praised his player after the match, emphasizing that Konate played brilliantly and "made no mistakes"—a well-deserved recognition for a solid performance at the Champions League level.

With their defense functioning smoothly, Liverpool had the foundation to control risk, maintain their slender advantage, and force Inter to suffer their first home defeat in European competition in three years – a milestone that demonstrates the structural recovery of the Merseyside team.

Salah's "ghost" and the dressing room dilemma.

Despite not being present at San Siro, Mohamed Salah was still involved in every conversation. His statements after the draw against Leeds United escalated the situation, leading to internal disciplinary action and his absence from the match against Inter. The reaction from the coaching staff and teammates was restrained: no public criticism, focusing on the game to mitigate the aftermath.

Meanwhile, Daniel Sturridge – the former Liverpool striker – expressed his belief that Salah still has the desire to contribute and bring the team back to the top. The final decision, of course, rests with Salah himself, but a victory and a positive atmosphere could be a catalyst for dialogue and reconciliation.

Impact and the next stage

The victory at San Siro didn't erase all the problems, but it gave Liverpool what they needed most right now: time and confidence. The Isak-Ekitike dilemma needs a solution regarding distance, roles, and coordination. Konate must maintain the standards he's shown to be a pillar of support for the defense. And importantly, the internal conflict surrounding Salah needs to be skillfully resolved to maintain the team's upward trajectory.

This weekend, Brighton will be Liverpool's next test of character. The positive signs from Italy will only truly matter if they translate into stability in the Premier League. Liverpool have won a big battle; the fight to regain their status is still long, but at least they have rediscovered a sense of control.