Liverpool news: Reds through to Champions League last eight despite defeat
- Planet Sport writer
- 8 March 2022
Jurgen Klopp relieved to progress past 'warriors' Inter Milan as Liverpool reach quarter-finals for fourth time in five seasons.
Jurgen Klopp was relieved to progress in the Champions League after Liverpool suffered their first home defeat in a year.
The Reds' boss described Inter Milan as "real warriors and fighters" after they triumphed 1-0 at Anfield but lost 2-1 on aggregate.
Lautaro Martinez's stunning 20-yard strike gave the Italian champions victory on the night but Alexis Sanchez's red card shortly after undermined their comeback.
'Warriors and fighters'
The Reds' boss told BT Sport: "Without playing brilliant we had a lot of clear-cut chances but didn't take them. They didn't have many but scored a goal.
"It’s not cool to lose a home game, but respect to the opponent and we are through. That’s the main target."
He added: "The way they play is really tricky. They are real warriors and fighters."
Klopp said his side's counter-press "was not really there" and that they lost too many challenges but he will be happy to see his side in the last eight of the competition for the fourth time in five seasons as they continue their bid to win an unprecedented Quadruple.
With Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United all still in the tournament, a potential all-English tie now awaits.
Joel Matip went closest in a first half controlled by the hosts, the Cameroon international heading against the bar.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was the shining Liverpool light but they struggled to carve out chances in their usual way.
Post denies Salah
After the interval, the Reds struck the woodwork again, this time Mo Salah hitting the post when most in Anfield would have expected him to score.
Inter continued to battle and their increasing need for a goal resulted in them creating an opportunity for Martinez but he dragged a low shot wide from 15 yards.
WOOOOW! 😱
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 8, 2022
Lautaro Martínez with an incredible strike for Inter! 🚀#UCL pic.twitter.com/i550cMNY5T
However, the Argentine made amends a few minutes later, getting his side back in the tie by smashing the ball into the top corner from 20 yards, an effort which left Virgil van Dijk and Alisson helpless.
But no sooner had Inter given themselves hope, they threw it away again.
Former Arsenal and Man Utd star Sanchez was sent off after picking up a second yellow card for catching Fabinho's ankle on the follow-through.
Just moments after Inter get themselves back into the game, Alexis Sanchez is shown a second yellow card 😬#UCL pic.twitter.com/2V3k0Ibesf
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 8, 2022
Liverpool weren't troubled too much after that and Salah could have put the tie beyond doubt but he hit the other post, while right at the death substitute Luis Diaz was denied by a terrific block by Arturo Vidal.
