LIVERPOOL: Liverpool suffered a shock loss to Inter Milan at Anfield but advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals with a 2-1 aggregate triumph.

The defending Serie A champions won 1-0 thanks to Lautaro Martinez's stunning strike, but Inter were unable to capitalize after Alexis Sanchez was sent off moments later.

Liverpool's first defeat in the competition this season, although their 2-0 victory in the San Siro last month was enough to secure their place in the last eight.

Jurgen Klopp's men can now turn their attention to the Premier League, where they will face Brighton and Arsenal in rapid succession.

The first half was a close one, with Inter edging the early stages as they sought for an early goal but failed to create any clear-cut chances.

After 25 minutes, the game was called off when Liverpool fans in the Kop stand notified the referee and players to a medical issue.

The game restarted, and Liverpool almost took the lead on the night, but Joel Matip's header ricocheted against the crossbar.

Virgil van Dijk came close to scoring from the subsequent corner, but Milan Skriniar saved him with a superb block.

Soon after the break, Mohamed Salah's close-range shot hit the bottom of the post for the hosts again.

Inter stunned Anfield just after the hour mark with a spectacular strike from outside the area that arrowed into the top corner.

Inter's momentum was abruptly interrupted when Sanchez was shown a second yellow card, reducing the visitors to 10 men.

Following the red card, Liverpool began to control possession and hit the crossbar for the third time after Salah's shot struck the post.

Arturo Vidal blocked off the line a goalbound shot by substitute Luis Diaz in stoppage time.

Liverpool has already reached the Champions League's last eight for the fourth time in the last five seasons.

Edited - SportsAction / Inputs - Agency