Liverpool march into the Champions League quarter-finals after beating Porto 5-0 on aggregate. The 5 goal lead they brought back to Anfield meant that Jurgen Klopp’s men could afford to take their foot off the gas slightly. Little did the Liverpool players sweat in the afternoon as they managed a comfortable 0-0 draw to book their place in the last eight.
The German coach made 5 changes to the line-up from their previous match possibly with one eye on the mouth-watering clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Here are the player ratings for Liverpool.
Loris Karius: 7/10
The German international now makes it 5 clean sheets in the competition and is slowly building in confidence. Had to make a couple of saves but did so when called upon. Yet another good performance by the shot-stopper.
Joe Gomez: 6/10
A fairly easy afternoon as he was not tested much. Seems to be lacking the rhythm that he possessed at the start of the season. Had very little cutting edge to his attacking side.
Joel Matip: 6/10
Once again, hardly put to test by the Porto front-line. A comfortable outing for the Cameroonian. Could have been better with his ball distribution.
Dejan Lovren: 6.5/10
Much like fellow centre-back, Lovren too had his task cut out. Another clean sheet for the Croatian.
Alberto Moreno: 6.5/10
Returned to the line-up after his injury and did quite well. Showed good aggression and desire to dart forwards but the end product was missing.
Jordan Henderson: 7/10
Was solid in his role today and protected his back-line well. The quick switch of play was a feature of the Liverpool captain’s game.
Emre Can: 6.5/10
His strength and powerful running made it difficult for the Porto players to nick the ball off him. Spent a lot of time in the attacking areas but to no avail. A decent performance from the German.
James Milner: 8/10
No wonder he is called Mr. Reliable. Ran his fuel out to the very last drop as he was the engine for Klopp’s team tonight. Made crunching tackles and shut down spaces brilliantly. A MOM performance from the veteran.
Adam Lallana: 6.5/10
Played his first 90 minutes following his long injury absence. His quick feet and trickery proved too much for the Porto players as he was fouled constantly. A good performance considering his long layoff.
Sadio Mane: 7/10
Unlucky not to have bagged a goal if not two. Had to stretch to reach Gomez’s cross, only to see the ball kiss the crossbar. Hit the post after his brilliant touch in the box opened up another chance.
Roberto Firmino: 6/10
Seemed like the Brazilian was having a stroll in the park. Not his best but given the circumstances, he put in very little effort with Manchester United up next.
Subs:
Danny Ings: 7/10
Was brought on for Firmino in the 62nd minute. Showed great hunger and desire to help Liverpool get a goal. His hold up and link up play was very good to see.
Mohamed Salah: 6.5/10
Liverpool looked a lot more dangerous after Salah’s arrival in the 74th minute. Put in a good cross for Ings who could not convert.
Ragnar Klavan: NA
