Inter Milan's narrow win over Liverpool won't go down in the history books, but it has raised a few questions after the game with the sending off of Alexis Sanchez.
The Chilean international received a second yellow after Lautaro Martinez's wonder strike in the second half. It made that one-goal margin on aggregate even harder for Inter to overcome.
Both sides had their fair share of chances in the game. If it wasn't for Liverpool's offside trap working its charm, Inter could have further unsettled the Anfield crowd.
Having said that, if it wasn't for both sides of the post, Mo Salah could have walked away with a brace and we could be having a different conversation.
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What a hit from Lautaro Martinez to give Inter the lead at Anfield! 👏#UCL pic.twitter.com/ICipQJttiS
— Watch the UCL on LiveScore 🇮🇪 (@LiveScoreIE) March 8, 2022
What we saw over the two legs was a top Italian side unnerve a Champions League favourite over two legs, but ultimately end up on the losing end.
Inter Milan were the better team at San Siro and were probably undeservedly two goals down heading to Merseyside. But their performances will become an afterthought.
There is an element of 'what could have been' after Sanchez's red card. Inter had plenty of momentum after going 1-0 up and they had their share of the chances.
There wasn't much Alisson could do in the Liverpool goal given how sweetly Lautaro Martinez curled the ball into the top corner of the net.
But Alexis Sanchez picking up his second yellow left Inter vulnerable, and they were able to hang on to their 1-0 lead that ended up not mattering.
Sanchez sees 𝗿𝗲𝗱 🇨🇱🔴
The Chilean could barely pick himself up after being sent off for Inter at Anfield #UCL pic.twitter.com/l1LvqSbojb
— Watch the UCL on LiveScore 🇮🇪 (@LiveScoreIE) March 8, 2022
Sanchez Red Reaction
There was no questioning the follow-through of Sanchez's tackle on Fabinho. But people are questioning if it was deserved of a yellow card.
In the build-up, the striker is seen stretching for the ball with his right foot, and some think that should have been taken into consideration.
That is so unlucky from Sanchez. The follow through law is complicated for me clive.
— Max Rushden 💙 (@maxrushden) March 8, 2022
Alexis Sanchez has been sent off for winning the ball. pic.twitter.com/a3md6v0PZB
— FootballFunnys (@FootballFunnnys) March 8, 2022
Just seen Sánchez’ red card. I’m on record in saying I don’t like those types of fouls being carded. If he went with his studs and landed with studs then I agree but a flick up to studs is penalising a flick up which I think is too much. Foul, sure. Yellow, not for me.
You?
— UtdArena (@UtdArena) March 8, 2022
Someone's on commentary telling us how Sanchez didn't mean to hurt anyone so the yellow cards are unfair. When will it end
— The Tactical Times (@Tactical_Times) March 8, 2022
It's the type of tackle that's seen cautioned at times but goes unnoticed in other instances. It was just unfortunate for Sanchez to be on the wrong end of the referee's whistle.
The 'follow through' debate will come to the fore again and many will wonder if intent or the build-up will be taken into account going forward.
That doesn't seem to be the case in modern refereeing terms and some believe it was a deserved yellow and Sanchez could have pulled out of the tackle.
Nonetheless, in comfortable fashion or not, Liverpool are through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League and that's all that will matter to fans.
See Also: Robert Lewandowski Demolishes Salzburg With First-Half Hat-Trick
