Liverpool brushed aside Portuguese giants FC Porto as they all but step into the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League this season. Sadio Mane’s hat-trick lifted them to their first win in Portugal since 1984 as Mo Salah scored his 30th goal of the season, the fastest to the mark in Liverpool’s history.
Porto started off the game strongly but Jose Sa’s mistake gifted Liverpool the lead. Salah’s brilliance doubled it before halftime, as Mane scored on either side of Roberto Firmino’s goal, to give Liverpool a 5-away goal-advantage in what looks to be a finished tie. Here are the player ratings for the Reds in this game:
Liverpool Players Rated And Slated
Loris Karius (6):
Had very little to do but did what he had to with style and confidence, as he grows into Liverpool’s first-choice under the bar.
Trent-Alexandre Arnold (7):
Quick to snub out danger on his flank and was also ready to add numbers in attack. Did well against the likes of Brahimi and kept Liverpool on top for most game.
Dejan Lovren (7):
Stuck to his task well, hardly losing a tackle. Never allowed Porto to settle onto the ball and helped his side to a clean sheet.
Virgil van Dijk (8):
In his first European appearance for Liverpool, the Dutch star put in a solid performance and though was beaten on a couple of occasions, won everything thrown at him as he continues to impress.
Andrew Robertson (8):
A couple of amazing crosses, couple with a couple of last-ditch tackles as Robertson turned out to be one of the best players for the Reds, on his European debut.
Jordan Henderson (6):
Was beaten far too easily in the midfield but was quick to react and win the ball back, trying to set up his attackers on quick counters.
James Milner (8):
Made a nuisance of himself in the middle of the park, hassling the Porto players all night. Almost scored with the shot that ultimately set up Salah’s goal and picked up an assist for Firmino’s goal.
Georginio Wijnaldum (7):
His purposeful run opened Porto up for the first goal of the game and he was also industrious in the midfield, always playing on the front foot.
Mohamed Salah (7):
The Egyptian was not at his best on the night but made no mistake with the best chance that fell to him, as he continues his dream debut season for the Reds.
Roberto Firmino (8):
His goal was just the topping on a delightful performance from the Brazilian, who won a number of interceptions and constantly unsettled the Porto players. Played a role in Mane’s goal and was superb yet again.
Sadio Mane (9):
Got lucky for his first, got a tap-in for his second but had to pull out a screamer for his third as the Senegalese, who is still not back to his best, lifted Liverpool to a sensational European victory.
Substitutes:
Joel Matip (5):
Made an error late in the game but dealt well with the little threat that Porto were posing, as he helped Karius with a shut-out.
Danny Ings (6):
Picked up the assist for Mane’s third which will do some good to his confidence as he racks up minutes back from back to back injuries.
Joe Gomez (6):
Gave TAA a break, who ran his socks off all night.
