Liverpool ratings: Midfield flops cause problems for Klopp despite Champions League progress; attacker goes missing

Liverpool booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after a 2-1 aggregate win over Inter Milan, despite losing 1-0 on the night to the 10-man Italian outfit at Anfield.

After building a two-goal advantage at the San Siro, the Reds overcame a few early nerves and a stunning strike from Lautaro Martinez to seal a last-eight spot on Merseyside.

The home side went closest to scoring in a scrappy first half when Joel Matip powered a header from a corner against the bar.

The woodwork was struck again on the 50-minute mark when Salah somehow managed to find the post with the goal gaping and visiting keeper Samir Handanovic stranded after a clever ball from Thiago caused panic in the Inter defence.

The visitors were back in the tie though with half an hour to go and in stunning fashion through Lautaro Martinez. The Argentine striker picked up the ball 30 yards from goal, burst forward and then unleashed a piledriver into the far corner.

But just when it looked like the comeback was on, Alexis Sanchez saw red after picking up a second caution of the game.

Salah was unfortunate to find the woodwork again with 15 minutes to go when his fine half-volley rebounded to safety.

Despite a late charge, the Reds failed to find an equaliser but were grateful for victory in Milan to seal their progress.

Liverpool (4-3-3)

Alisson:  Good save late in the first half from a free-kick but could do nothing about Martinez’s stunning opener for Inter. 6/10

Trent Alexander-Arnold:  Given a couple of early tests by the pacy Ivan Perisic in the first half but flashed a trademark free-kick wide just before the break. Some of his delivery was world class again. 7

Joel Matip:  So unlucky to hit the bar with a powerful first-half header and otherwise solid as a rock. 6

Virgil van Dijk:  Had two good headed opportunities in the first half but was imperious in his handling of the highly-rated Lautaro Martinez before THAT strike. 7

Andrew Robertson: As dependable as ever but played a little safer than normal given Liverpool’s position in the tie. Booked. 6

Midfield starters flop for Liverpool

Curtis Jones:  Had his work cut out as Inter tried to dominate midfield with more numbers and met his match in an inspired Arturo Vidal. Subbed. 5

Fabinho:  Not really able to get on the ball as Alexis Sanchez dropped deeper to stifle his influence. That improved after Sanchez’s red card but still not at his best. 5

Thiago Alcantara:  Put on a crunching first-half challenge that drew roars from the Anfield faithful. However, his passing was not quite at his normal high standard. Subbed. 5

WOOOOW! 😱

Lautaro Martínez with an incredible strike for Inter! 🚀#UCL pic.twitter.com/i550cMNY5T

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 8, 2022

Mo Salah:  Quiet first half but burst into life in the second and should have given the Reds the lead on the night when he hit the post just after the restart. Hit the woodwork again with a brilliant strike as the Reds searched for a leveller on the night. Liverpool’s best player – again. 7

Diogo Jota: Hardly had a touch in a scrappy opening period and offered little in the second as nothing he tried seemed to come off. Booked and then subbed late on. 4

Sadio Mane:  The liveliest of Liverpool’s front three in the opening period, although that’s not saying much. Improved after the break but had limited chances to show his class. Booked. 6

Substitutes:

Naby Keita (on for Jones, 65): A lively presence when he was introduced and looked to drive the team forward. 6

Jordan Henderson (on for Thiago, 65): Took control of the midfield after the Reds had struggled before his introduction. 6

Luis Diaz (on for Jota, 83): Saw what looked a late leveller brilliantly blocked by Vidal. 6