Liverpool into Champions League quarter-finals for first time in nine years
Drawing 0-0 with Porto in the rematch at Anfield on March 6, Liverpool still advanced thanks to a 5-0 aggregate victory over the two matches.
With the result of the first leg almost decided, coach Jurgen Klopp made six changes compared to the 2-0 win over Newcastle last weekend. Key players such as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk were rested, saving their energy for the "English derby" with Man Utd at the weekend.
Despite not playing at full strength, Liverpool still had more possession in the first half. After allowing striker Vincent Aboubakar to threaten Loris Karius' goal twice in the early minutes, Liverpool responded with a shot that hit the post in the 31st minute.
In a seemingly harmless move, Sadio Mane unexpectedly kicked the ball diagonally with his left foot. Iker Casillas was defeated, but the goal saved the visitors.
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Firmino with a great chance in the second half. Photo: PA |
After a lack of clear-cut chances in the first half, Liverpool continued to threaten Casillas' goal in the second half. In the 59th minute, Roberto Firmino dribbled into the penalty area, but the Brazilian's shot was blocked by the away team's defender. Three minutes later, Firmino was taken off to make way for Danny Ings.
Seemingly unwilling to share points in the second leg, Klopp sent Salah - the Premier League's best player in February 2018 - onto the field in the 74th minute. The Egyptian striker had a low shot 10 minutes after appearing, but Casillas saved it. The final minutes were formalities, when both sides lost motivation.
The last time Liverpool reached the Champions League quarter-finals was nine years ago, when they also beat Real Madrid 5-0 on aggregate in the round of 16. Real's goalkeeper at that time was also Casillas.