Alisson Becker – 7.5
The dominant Brazilian made a great stop in the first half from Hakan Çalhanoğlu, off an Inter free kick. He was able to command the Liverpool goal throughout the first period, with more possession based player than danger to deal with. Had little chance with the Martinez goal, as the game became frantic.
Trent Alexander Arnold – 8.0
A first half that really showed his growing defensive abilities. Clearly targeted in the first leg, he was strong and defiant in his work. Great deliveries nearly saw both centre backs score, and he nearly scored himself from a free kick at the end of the first half. Started the play with more freedom in the second, as the game opened up. Was very good both ends of the field, in a tight contest.
Andy Robertson – 7.5
Ambitious in his running as always, even though his flank was so well defended by Inter. Gave good coverage when needed, and was diligent in his defensive work through the opening period. Continued to defend well, and was always a good wide option.
Virgil Van Dijk – 8.0
Was unflappable and dominant. Martinez literally stopped when he was faced with a foot race with the giant Dutchman, and his imposing nature gave next to no chances for Inter in the first half. Nearly scored off a corner, if not for a great block. Continued to marshall well, and containing Inter was key after the opening goal.
Joel Matip – 7.5
Was calm and assured on the ball, despite some spirited play by the Italians. Shocked the bar off a Trent free kick, and was unlucky not to score in that first half. Was good through the second period, as Liverpool looked to halt any comeback after the opening goal.
Fabinho – 7.5
Combative and disruptive in his play, as he looked to break up any Inter fluidity in the first half. Was an important shield, as Inter kept pushing, and the 10 men of Inter then meant he could hold with assuredness.
Thiago Alcantara – 7.5
So delicate with the ball, and showed both guile and ferocity when it was needed. Gave good balance through the first half, as Inter tried to unsettle the reds. He left the pitch shortly after the Alexis Sánchez red card, as he continued his return from injury.
Subbed – 65 mins
Curtis Jones – 6.5
Effort over end product was his first half, with positional play more needed than his instinctive preference. Was taken off just after the Alexis Sánchez dismissal, as Klopp looked to regain control of the tie.
Subbed – 65 mins
Diogo Jota – 6.0
Got lost in the first half, with Inter defending so well. Frustration in losing possession saw him booked, thereby creating Inter best chance of the first half. Was eager and unlucky not score early in the second, but was largely ineffective.
Subbed – 82 mins
Sadio Mane – 6.0
Outnumbered and blocked off through the first period, in a frustrating first half for the reds forward line. Kept plugging away, but couldn’t push through in another tough half.
Mohamed Salah – 6.5
Couldn’t get into the game, after a bright jinking run in the first half. Was marked and marshalled with excellence, and couldn’t create the space he desired. He started the second half with another string run, as he sensed Inter’s need to push on. He hit the post on 51 mins (after good Jota work), when it was almost easier to score. Was a willing outlet and his passion to impact was clear.
Subs:
Jordan Henderson – 7.0 (on 65)
A good appearance when the game needed managing.
Naby Keita – 7.0 (on 55)
Smart on and off the ball as control of the game was needed.
Luis Diaz – 6.5 (on 82)
Unlucky to to score in stoppage time, with his quality evident.
The Manager:
Jurgen Klopp – 7.0
Would have enjoyed his team’s defensive resilience through the first half, with control needed in order to stem any potential Inter threat. The second became an end to end battle, with chances coming quickly. The goal for Martinez was soon followed by the Alexis Sánchez red card, which prompted smart changes by the Reds’ manager to regain control. The match became more a about game management, and possession should have seen a winning goal come. The game was the lost, the tie was won, and the reds match on.
