Champions League scores: Bayern Munich rescue a draw at RB Salzburg, while Liverpool ease by Inter Milan
Wednesday in the Champions League we saw that substitutes can make all the difference. RB Salzburg marked their first ever appearance in the round of 16 in a big way in a 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich and Liverpool got a big away victory against Inter Milan in a match that they struggled for large portions of.
Stylish SalzburgSalzburg were tagged as one of the weakest teams in the knockouts but they showed that they can't be underestimated. Most teams would've struggled after losing a starting forward only 12 minutes into the match but Salzburg replaced Noah Okafor with Chukwubuike Adamu and kept rolling. Their press caused Bayern fits and led to a quick counter where American Brenden Aaronson settled the ball and Adamu did the rest.
The first time finish from range, the celebration, it was pure perfection that Adamu and Salzburg won't forget. They created more pressure as the half went on Bayern really struggled to keep up or get the ball to Robert Lewandowski but the longer that the game stayed at 1-0, the more likely it was for the Bavarians to get something from the match.
Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman had all the space they wanted on the wings to make things happen but were unable to beat keeper Philipp Kohn who had a great game. But deep into stoppage time, all it took was one chance, and Thomas Muller found Coman with his head and the match was level.
While it will be disappointing to draw instead of win, competing with Bayern in any competition is something to be proud of and RB Salzburg did that and more.
Robert Firmino, GamechangerIn another sub changing the game moment, it was Robert Firmino that put Liverpool ahead in the second half after replacing Diogo Jota at halftime. Inter Milan had the best chance of the first half when Hakan Calhanoglu rattled the bar with a powerful strike but it wasn't enough. Sadio Mane had a few chances of his own but not enough to get a breakthrough.
Andrew Robertson's corner was good but Firmino's header was better. Liverpool got another late via Mohamed Salah when a bouncing ball in the box found his feet for the finish. Inter will be up against it as they were held to nine shots and only a 0.46 xG in the loss. While away goals don't give Liverpool any added advantage, overcoming a 2-0 deficit at Anfield is quite a task.