### Liverpool Triumphs Amid Salah Controversy: A Critical Champions League Win Liverpool FC secured a vital 1-0 victory against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League on December 9, 2025, despite the absence of star winger Mohamed Salah. The match took place at the iconic San Siro stadium and was marked by a late penalty scored by midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai in the 88th minute. This win comes at a crucial time for Liverpool, as coach Arne Slot's position has been under scrutiny following a public fallout with Salah, who was left out of the squad due to recent controversial comments [https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-10/football-champions-league-wrap-salah-slot-liverpool-win/106123934][https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/inter-milan-liverpool-champions-league-goals-result-salah-b2881369.html]. ### Breakdown of the Match and Context 1. **Match Overview**: - Liverpool faced Inter Milan in a must-win Champions League match. - Dominik Szoboszlai scored the decisive goal from a penalty awarded in the closing minutes of the game [https://www.rediff.com/sports/report/champions-league-pix-liverpool-edge-inter-barcelona-bayern-win-chelsea-lose/20251210.htm]. 2. **Salah's Absence**: - Mohamed Salah was excluded from the matchday squad following a public dispute with coach Arne Slot, raising questions about team dynamics [https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/liverpool-defy-salah-crisis-beating-inter-milan-champions-league-4054951.html]. - The decision to leave Salah out was seen as a gamble by Slot, which ultimately paid off with the team's performance [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/inter-milan-liverpool-champions-league-goals-result-salah-b2881369.html]. 3. **Impact on the Team**: - The victory is crucial for Liverpool's Champions League campaign, boosting their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/late-szoboszlai-penalty-gives-liverpool-1-0-win-over-inter-milan]. - The win also alleviates some pressure on coach Arne Slot, who has faced criticism amid the Salah controversy [https://www.gbnews.com/sport/football/liverpool-inter-milan-arne-slot-salah-2674384490]. ### Key Statistics and Highlights - **Match Result**: Inter Milan 0 - 1 Liverpool - **Winning Goal**: Dominik Szoboszlai (88th minute, penalty) - **Significance**: - Ended Inter Milan's 18-match unbeaten home run in the Champions League [https://www.outlookindia.com/sports/football/inter-milan-vs-liverpool-match-report-uefa-champions-league-2025-26-matchday-6]. - Marked Liverpool's second win in seven matches, crucial for their morale [https://flashscore.dk/news/soccer-champions-league-szoboszlai-scores-late-penalty-as-salah-less-liverpool-snatch-vital-win-over-inter-milan/SjpJ4Fwe]. ### Conclusion: A Turning Point for Liverpool In summary, Liverpool's narrow victory over Inter Milan not only revitalizes their Champions League hopes but also serves as a pivotal moment in the ongoing saga involving Mohamed Salah and coach Arne Slot. The successful execution of a late penalty by Szoboszlai highlights the team's resilience in the face of adversity. 1. **Victory Significance**: The win is essential for Liverpool's Champions League aspirations. 2. **Salah's Fallout**: The absence of Salah raises questions about team cohesion and future strategies. 3. **Coaching Pressure**: Arne Slot's decision-making is under scrutiny but has yielded immediate positive results. This match could be a turning point for Liverpool as they navigate the complexities of team dynamics and performance in high-stakes competitions [https://www.fanatik.com.tr/en/hakan-calhanoglu-injured-liverpool-win-without-salah-final-result-inter-v-liverpool-0-1-champions-league-2604157].