Liverpool are among the ‘likely winners’ of the Champions League after their win over Inter Milan this week.
That’s according to former Inter forward Antonio Cassano, who does, however, believe his old side did not ‘deserve’ to lose the game.
Inter hosted Liverpool at the San Siro earlier this week in the first of their two legs in the Champions League last 16.
The Reds ran out 2-0 winners in the tie, with goals from Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah handing them a huge advantage for the return leg at Anfield.
It was by no means plain sailing for Jurgen Klopp’s side, though, who were put under sustained pressure by the Serie A champions for large parts of the game.
Indeed, on another evening, the result could have been very different, with Inter failing to take advantage of the numerous chances that came their way.
That was partly due to the performance of Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, who Cassano was keen to praise in his analysis of the result.
“First of all, I want to congratulate Inter,” he told Bobo TV, relayed by FC Inter News.
“Inter played a great game, with the exception, and I say this with a heavy heart, of Lautaro and Dzeko who played below their potential.
“Inter tried to keep up with Liverpool, they played with courage, but in these games, you have to score when you get the chances. In fact, at the other end, Salah and Firmino scored with two half-balls.
“I was at the San Siro, at the stadium you appreciate those players like Van Dijk who have that charisma that allows them to play for fun.
“I saw the Reds confident, calm; they’re among the likely winners of the Champions League. Then Klopp did well to make three substitutions; that’s when the game changed.
“I am happy because Inzaghi’s team showed the growth they are making in the league, playing on a par with Liverpool and not deserving the defeat.”
