Can Liverpool Thrive Without Salah? A Surprising Champions League Victory Sparks Debate
In a thrilling Champions League encounter on December 10, 2025, Liverpool secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Inter Milan at the San Siro, proving they can still deliver even without their star player, Mohamed Salah. But here's where it gets controversial: Salah's absence wasn't just due to injury or rest—it stemmed from a public fallout with head coach Arne Slot, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning the team's dynamics. Is this a sign of deeper issues within the squad, or a testament to Liverpool's resilience?
With Salah left at home after his explosive comments following a draw at Leeds, Dominik Szoboszlai stepped into the spotlight, calmly converting an 88th-minute penalty to seal the win. This victory not only propelled Liverpool back into the top eight but also hinted at a newfound toughness in what has been an otherwise fragile season. And this is the part most people miss: the win came against an Inter Milan side boasting a formidable 18-match unbeaten home streak in Europe and seven wins in their last nine games.
Salah's absence wasn't the only challenge for Slot. With Cody Gakpo injured and Federico Chiesa ill, the manager was forced to rely on his remaining senior forwards, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, who together cost a staggering £200 million. Despite their price tags, the duo struggled to make an impact, highlighting a lack of cohesion that has plagued the team this season. For instance, Ekitike's decision to favor his right foot in a Salah-like position resulted in a weak shot easily saved by Yann Sommer. Meanwhile, Isak and Ekitike's limited playing time together was evident in moments like when Alexis Mac Allister's well-placed pass went unused due to a miscommunication.
Salah's absence was particularly felt in the attacking third, where his 46 Champions League goals for Liverpool remain unmatched. Virgil van Dijk, the next highest scorer with just five goals, couldn't fill the void, but Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch stepped up, testing Sommer with their efforts. The game also saw Ibrahima Konaté involved in a contentious moment, nodding in a goal that was disallowed after VAR determined the ball had struck Ekitike's arm—a decision that took four minutes to finalize.
Inter Milan threatened late in the first half, with Nicolò Barella's free kick narrowly missing and Alisson Becker making a crucial save from Lautaro Martínez's header. The second half saw Liverpool's strikers increase their intensity, with Isak eventually making way for Florian Wirtz. The turning point came when Wirtz drew a penalty from Alessandro Bastoni, setting the stage for Szoboszlai's heroics and prompting fans to chant Slot's name at the final whistle.
But here’s the real question: Can Liverpool sustain this level of performance without Salah, or is this just a temporary reprieve? With the team's dynamics clearly shifting, this victory raises more questions than answers. What do you think? Is Liverpool better off without Salah, or is his absence a ticking time bomb? Let us know in the comments!
