Liverpool Secure Big Win Without Salah in Milan Clash

Liverpool secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Inter Milan at the San Siro, a win powered by Dominik Szoboszlai’s penalty and a resolute team performance amidst ongoing off-field distractions.

Had Szoboszlai not converted from the spot, the focus would have intensified on the absence of Mohamed Salah and Liverpool’s recent struggles. Instead, the Hungarian international stepped up and delivered, providing a much-needed boost for manager Arne Slot.

The win marked Liverpool’s fourth in as many years at the San Siro, and significantly, their first Champions League away victory without Salah since 2009. The travelling fans made their feelings known, chanting Slot’s name at full time, a clear indication of support after a difficult period.

The victory comes after a turbulent week for the club, with questions swirling around the team’s form and the situation with Salah. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker had earlier on Monday affirmed the players’ backing for Slot, despite the challenging circumstances.

“It doesn’t change anything. There’s obviously so much noise from the outside world, which is normal when you don’t perform,” Virgil van Dijk told Amazon Prime Sport. “It’s deserved as well. We want to improve, we want to be consistent and win games. We have to stick together and be a unit as we have been. That’s what Liverpool stands for.”

Left-back Andy Robertson echoed this sentiment, stating, “We all needed it. We know the results and performances aren’t good enough. It’s important that this club is in the Champions League. It was a huge result for all of us.”

Slot acknowledged the external pressure but emphasized the importance of focusing on the players who were present. “I fully understand that on Friday, in the press conference, all the questions will be about Mo,” he said. “Tonight it should be all about the players that are here. In the rich history Liverpool has had, they have had many of these evenings.”

Szoboszlai’s performance was particularly noteworthy, having been directly involved in more goals than any other Liverpool player this season (10 – five goals, five assists). Slot praised his commitment, highlighting that he is one of the few players to have featured in all four games in the last 10 days.

“I have asked a lot of him,” Slot added. “It’s special what he is doing physically, and also football‑wise, he stood up in a difficult moment. That was his first penalty for Liverpool during a game, but he has a great shot, and he delivered.”

While the situation surrounding Salah remains a talking point, Liverpool’s win in Milan demonstrates their ability to overcome adversity and secure positive results, even in the absence of key players. The focus now shifts to building on this momentum and regaining consistency.

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