Inter play with intensity and personality but fall to a controversial late penalty converted by Dominik Szoboszlai. Bastoni, outstanding all night, sees his display overshadowed by the decisive call.
Inter suffered their second consecutive Champions League defeat, falling 1–0 to Liverpool at San Siro in a tense, physical contest decided by one of the softest penalties of the competition so far. Dominik Szoboszlai’s 88th-minute strike from the spot sealed the match, punishing a minimal shirt tug by Alessandro Bastoni—ironically Inter’s best player on the night.
Cristian Chivu fielded his strongest available lineup, leaning again on the rising form of Luis Henrique on the right. Arne Slot’s Liverpool, still navigating the fallout of the Salah rift, turned to an energetic forward trio with Ekitike and Isak flanking Mac Allister in a hybrid false-nine setup.
The first half was chaotic and eventful. Inter lost Calhanoglu after just ten minutes to a muscle issue and later saw Acerbi also forced off. Liverpool thought they had taken the lead when Konaté finished from a corner, but an extensive VAR review detected a touch of Ekitike’s arm on Van Dijk’s flick, and the goal was annulled.
Despite struggling to maintain sustained attacking phases, Inter created two major chances: Barella curled a free kick just wide, then Lautaro Martínez forced Alisson into a superb reflex save with a close-range header.
The second half belonged largely to Inter, who increased their rhythm, won duels, and spent long stretches in Liverpool’s half. Yet they lacked a decisive final touch, while Zielinski and Mkhitaryan—off the bench and starting respectively—wasted several promising situations.
The turning point arrived in the 88th minute. Bastoni, flawless until that moment, lightly grabbed Wirtz’s shirt in the box. The German international exaggerated the contact, went down, and referee Zwayer, after on-field review, awarded a penalty to the disbelief of Inter’s players and fans. Szoboszlai buried it with clinical precision, sending Sommer the wrong way.
Inter tried to push for an equalizer but ran out of time, condemned to another late defeat following the loss to Atlético. They remain within the top eight of the league-phase table, while Liverpool climb back into strong qualification territory.
Match Report
Inter 0–1 Liverpool
Scorer:
88’ Szoboszlai (pen, LIV)
Inter (3-5-2)
Sommer; Akanji, Acerbi (31’ Bisseck), Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Barella, Calhanoglu (11’ Zielinski), Mkhitaryan (83’ Sucic), Dimarco (83’ Carlos Augusto); Thuram (83’ Bonny), Lautaro Martínez.
Coach: Cristian Chivu
Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Alisson; Gomez (68’ Bradley), Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Jones, Szoboszlai, Ekitike; Isak (68’ Wirtz).
Coach: Arne Slot
Yellow Cards: Lautaro Martínez, Ekitike, Mkhitaryan, Jones
Sending Offs: None
