Liverpool boosted their hopes of securing a top-eight finish in the UEFA Champions League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Inter Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday night.
Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 88th minute, firing past goalkeeper Yann Sommer to seal all three points for the Premier League side.
Liverpool had earlier thought they had taken the lead when defender Ibrahima Konate headed home from close range, but the goal was ruled out following a lengthy VAR review for a handball by Hugo Ekitike in the buildup.
Despite enjoying plenty of possession, Liverpool struggled to create clear-cut chances for much of the contest. Inter also found it difficult to break down the visitors, resulting in a largely balanced game with limited opportunities at both ends.
The breakthrough came late on when Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni was penalised for pulling the shirt of substitute Florian Wirtz inside the penalty area. After another VAR review, the referee awarded a spot kick, which Szoboszlai confidently converted.
The result lifts Liverpool to eighth place in the Champions League table with 12 points from six matches, strengthening their chances of direct qualification for the last 16. Inter remain fifth on 12 points but with a superior goal difference.
The defeat ended Inter’s impressive home run in the competition, marking their first Champions League loss at the San Siro in three years.