Liverpool took control of their Champions League destiny with a hard-earned win at Inter Milan on Wednesday.
Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah both found the target in the last 15 minutes as the Reds secured a 2-0 win in Italy in their round of 16 first leg.
The result means Jurgen Klopp’s side are favourites to finish the job when the return game takes place at Anfield in three weeks.
IAN DOYLE: Liverpool turn danger into victory as two huge advantages emerge at Inter Milan
PAUL GORST: Harvey Elliott cover is blown as Thiago Alcantara plan works
READ MORE: Italian media react to Inter 'atrocious double joke' against Liverpool
But there was plenty that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes at the San Siro.
Van Dijk sorry
Virgil van Dijk was almost imperious in helping Liverpool quell the Inter tide during difficult moments, particularly at the start of the second half.
But the Dutchman wasn't entirely without fault.
During the first half, with Liverpool being penned back towards their own goal, Van Dijk played an unwise pass to the heavily-marked Fabinho on the edge of his own area that was hurriedly moved on by the spooked Brazilian.
Van Dijk immediately put his hand in the air to gesture an apology to his team-mate. Which was the least he could do, really.
Thiago unimpressed
Thiago Alcantara has always set high standards for himself. So when matters go awry, the Spaniard isn't always happy.
Such was the case in the first half when, while making a vital block tackle to prevent Inter from breaking into the area during the first half, the ball flew off his legs and went out for a corner.
The midfielder was absolutely livid with himself and beat the ground in a visible sign of frustration.
The subsequent set-piece ultimately came to nothing. Shouldn't be so hard on yourself, Thiago.
*What trophy do you think Liverpool will win this season?
Salah answers call
Mohamed Salah enjoyed his latest return to Italy, where he spent several years earlier in his career.
And after the game he made sure it was an evening to remember for one of his admirers.
Salah responded to a supporter who had made a sign asking for his shirt by heading over to pass the jersey on to the recipient.
With help from the San Siro security, the garment made its way over the barrier and to the rightful new owner. Sound fella, is Mo.
Mane keeps his cool
Fair to say Sadio Mane has a bit of previous with referee Szymon Marciniak.
After all, it was the official whose lack of protection of Mane at Atletico Madrid two years ago saw Jurgen Klopp substitute the riled Senegalese before he was sent off.
And there was a hint of danger when, during the first half, the Liverpool man was called over by the referee having bowled over Arturo Vidal while awaiting the delivery of a free-kick.
The look on the Mane's face as the duo were given a ticking off was priceless. No harm done, though.
