Liverpool earned a crucial 1-0 Champions League victory over Inter Milan despite missing star forward Mohamed Salah, as Dominik Szoboszlai converted a decisive late penalty to secure the win. The English side travelled without Salah following his recent public criticism of the club, leaving Szoboszlai to take responsibility from the spot in the 88th minute after VAR detected a shirt pull on Florian Wirtz. The victory was vital for Arne Slot’s team, who had won only once in their previous six matches across competitions and now move up to eighth in the league-phase table, putting themselves back into contention for a direct spot in the round of 16. Inter slipped to fifth after the defeat.
Liverpool earlier believed they had scored through Ibrahima Konaté’s header in the 31st minute, but VAR ruled it out due to a handball in the buildup involving Virgil van Dijk and Hugo Ekitike. While the decision frustrated Liverpool, the late penalty provided redemption and much-needed momentum.
Elsewhere in Europe, Bayern Munich staged a powerful comeback to defeat Sporting Lisbon 3-1, inspired by 17-year-old sensation Lennart Karl, who scored a brilliant volley to continue his rapid rise in the Champions League. Bayern overturned Joshua Kimmich’s own goal with strikes from Serge Gnabry, Karl, and Jonathan Tah, moving them into second place behind Arsenal. Karl, widely regarded as one of Germany’s brightest young talents, continued to break club records and earned praise for his fearless play. Alphonso Davies also made his long-awaited return from a major knee injury.
In London, Chelsea suffered a disappointing 2-1 loss to Atalanta. Despite leading through Joao Pedro, the Premier League side collapsed late in the game as Gianluca Scamacca equalized before Charles De Ketelaere scored the 83rd-minute winner. Chelsea dropped out of the top eight after their second defeat, while Atalanta climbed to third.
Barcelona also delivered a comeback, defeating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 thanks to two headers from Jules Koundé just minutes apart. Goals assisted by Marcus Rashford and Lamine Yamal helped overturn a 21st-minute opener from Ansgar Knauff. Yamal made Champions League history by becoming the highest-producing under-19 player with 14 combined goals and assists.
Tottenham celebrated a 3-0 win over Slavia Prague, with Son Heung-min watching his former team triumph on an emotional night marked by a dispute over the removal of a rainbow flag supporting the LGBTQ community. Atletico Madrid also earned an exciting 3-2 comeback win at PSV Eindhoven thanks to Julián Álvarez, who continued a remarkable scoring streak. Marseille, Monaco, and Olympiakos also secured narrow but valuable victories in their respective fixtures.
