Liverpool vs Inter Milan LIVE: Champions League result, final score and reaction after Firmino and Salah goals

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(Getty Images)

Liverpool travel to Inter Milan for the first leg of the last-16 tie on Wednesday night as the Champions League returns with some classic-looking match-ups. The Reds have been in good form of late, winning six in a row in all competitions and going unbeaten in nine, while Inter have tailed off somewhat with only three victories from their last six.

During the group stage, the Reds put together a perfect six-out-of-six run, becoming the first Premier League side to do so, while Inter emerged from a group containing three of the same four sides as last year – when they finished bottom – to finish second behind Real Madrid. The reigning Italian champions are hoping to add more silverware this term under Simone Inzaghi, with home form key to that. An early-season defeat to Real and the recent derby loss to AC Milan are their only defeats in 18 home games this term, making a big first-leg performance of paramount importance.

Jurgen Klopp, meanwhile, has the unusual situation of needing to pick from a full squad for the game – meaning at least a couple of big names will be left disappointed and out of the starting XI. Follow all the team news and match updates below:

Inter Milan vs Liverpool8pm GMT kick-off live on BT Sport 2 Inter XI: Handanovic; Skriniar, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Vidal, Brozovic, Calhanoglu, Perisic; Dzeko, MartinezLiverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Elliott, Thiago; Salah, Jota, Mane75′ – Firmino’s glancing header puts Reds ahead with the game’s first shot on target83′ – Salah sweeps home Liverpool’s second from inside the boxShow latest update 1645049155Harvey Elliott keeps his head as Liverpool prevail in frantic Champions League battle

It was in midfield where the pace of Liverpool’s crucial away victory at Inter Milan was set, even if the protagonists had been removed by the time the winning goals were scored.

Two teams, simultaneously opposed and mirrored in systems and approaches, whirred and buzzed to the tune of a high intensity press. A matchup of individual duels and isolated battles, played at frantic speed and on a tightrope, as San Siro boomed at the sight of a Champions League knockout match returning to this famous stadium.

In the middle of it all was Harvey Elliott, who even if he wanted a moment to take in the sheer improbability of starting in this last-16 tie would have been denied both the time and the space to do so.

Michael Jones16 February 2022 22:05

1645048931Inter Milan 0 – 2 Liverpool

Goals from Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah were enough for Liverpool to see off a stern test from Inter Milan and take a commanding two-goal cushion back to Anfield for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

(Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

(Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

(AFP via Getty Images)

Michael Jones16 February 2022 22:02

1645048459Full-time: Inter Milan 0 – 2 Liverpool

90+3 mins: Goals in the second half from Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah eased the pressure on Liverpool and secured a 2-0 win away from home in their round of 16 first leg against Inter Milan.

It was a tough night for the Reds but they defended well against a resolute Inter side and took their chances inside the final 15 minutes.

Michael Jones16 February 2022 21:54

1645048228Inter Milan 0 – 2 Liverpool

90 mins: Liverpool pss the ball around midfield keeping it away from Inter Milan. There are three minutes of added time to play. The Reds will want to hold on to a clean sheet. That would top off a perfect night for them.

Michael Jones16 February 2022 21:50

1645048012Inter Milan 0 – 2 Liverpool

86 mins: Inter Milan can’t believe. They haven’t played badly enough to be two goals down at home. There’s an argument to be made that they should be winning the game but Liverpool have defended well and have certainly been the more clinical side in front of the goal.

Thiago Alcantara is taken off by Jurgen Klopp and James Milner comes on making his 800th professional appearance.

Michael Jones16 February 2022 21:46

164504780GOAL! Inter Milan 0 – 2 Liverpool (Salah, 83′)⚽️

83 mins: Killer blow! Andy Robertson swings the free kick into the box and picks out Virgil van Dijk. He nods the ball down into the box toward Ibrahima Konate. Konate gets a shout and jumps away from the ball as Mo Salah arrives and sweeps the ball into the back of the net with his left-foot! Liverpool double their lead and look likely to take a two-goal advantage back to Anfield.

Michael Jones16 February 2022 21:43

1645047742Inter Milan 0 – 1 Liverpool

81 mins: It’s better from Liverpool who have found a bit more control in midfield since the introduction of Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita. The Reds win a free kick on the right side of the pitch and Andy Robertson has the chance to whip the ball back into the Inter Milan box.

Michael Jones16 February 2022 21:42

1645047519Inter Milan 0 – 1 Liverpool

78 mins: Liverpool have had a lot of defending to do tonight and their attacks have been limited. It’s been hard work for Jurgen Klopp’s men but they break the deadlock and take a crucial lead in this Champions League tie.

The visitors win another corner and Alexander-Arnold whips it into the area this time. Bastoni gets a glancing header to it this time and flicks the ball over to the far side of the box where Inter Milan boot it clear.

Michael Jones16 February 2022 21:38

1645047300GOAL! Inter Milan 0 – 1 Liverpool (Firmino, 75′)⚽️

75 mins: Great goal! Arturo Vidal wins the ball off Mo Salah but his tackle knocks the ball into his own box where Trent Alexander-Arnold recovers it and wins a corner. Andy Robertson takes it for Liverpool and curls the set piece away from the near post. Roberto Firmino leaps in front of Alessandro Bastoni to win the header and guides it across the box to nestle into the far bottom corner!

Michael Jones16 February 2022 21:35

1645047184Inter Milan 0 – 0 Liverpool

72 mins: Chance! Calhanoglu fizzes the corner kick in towards the near post and picks out Dumfries who whips his head onto the ball and sends the effort just over the crossbar!

Michael Jones16 February 2022 21:33

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