Inter Milan won the battle against Liverpool but lost the war as the Italian side claimed a 1-0 victory at Anfield on Tuesday.
Unfortunately for the Nerazzurri, the score line wasn't enough to overturn Liverpool's two-goal first-leg advantage, with the Reds taking a 2-1 aggregate win in their 2021-22 UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie.
A stunning goal by Lautaro Martinez in the 61st minute was followed closely by an ejection for Alexis Sanchez as Inter rode a wave of emotion during Tuesday's match. The first hour saw Liverpool comfortably control the play, as they held a majority of the possession and struck the woodwork once in each half to keep the visitors on the back foot. But Martinez changed the complexion of the game with his long-range effort, which came off a Liverpool turnover that was quickly moved into the attacking third by Ivan Perisic and Sanchez. A well-placed pass by Sanchez allowed Martinez to take a step towards goal before launching a precise strike past a diving Alisson Becker and into the top-right corner of the Liverpool net.
The good feelings didn't last long for Inter, however, as Sanchez quickly went from provider to goat with an ill-timed challenge on Fabinho in the 63rd minute that resulted in his second yellow card and hampered the Nerazzurri's ability to mount a comeback.
Instead, Liverpool were able to hold on against their 10-man opposition, not allowing another shot on goal for the remainder of the match.