Liverpool faced off against FC Porto earlier tonight hoping to secure progression into the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Porto dominated the game early on, but it was the visitors that took the lead in the 26th minute courtesy of Sadio Mane’s goal from close range.
Mohamed Salah doubled his team’s advantage in the 65th minute when he found the back of the net with a calm finish. The Reds scored two more goals through Roberto Firmino and Virgil Van Dijk while the home side got a consolation goal via Eder Militao’s powerful header.
The match ended with the Merseyside outfit running out 4-1 winners on the night.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player performed during the contest against FC Porto.
GK: Alisson Becker – 7.5/10
The Brazilian keeper made a few solid saves during the contest, but he would be disappointed at not keeping another clean sheet at the back.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7/10
He struggled a bit while up against Yacine Brahimi but recovered well in the second half and even managed to get an assist for Salah’s goal.
CB: Joel Matip – 8.5/10
The Cameroonian centre-back had one of his best games in a Liverpool shirt. He won a lot of headers and made some crucial clearances to restrict the Porto attackers from scoring more than one goal.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk – 7.5/10
The Dutch defender made a nervy start to the game but put in a dominant shift in the second half. He also managed to score in the 84th minute to cap off a fine win for Liverpool.
LB: Andrew Robertson – 7/10
It was another tireless display from the Scottish full-back. He was a good outlet for the Reds down the left flank and played an important part in the lead up to Mane’s goal.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 6/10
The Dutchman found it tough dealing with the tempo of FC Porto’s attacks in the first half. However, he put in a much-improved display in the second half.
CM: James Milner – 7/10
The English midfielder was full of energy and effort in midfield. He was used as a makeshift left-back after the substitution of Robertson and did enough to see out the win.
CM: Fabinho – 7.5/10
The Brazilian talent broke down a lot of Porto attacks during the game. He shielded the Liverpool backline quite effectively which will please Jurgen Klopp.
RM: Mohamed Salah – 8/10
The Egyptian winger set up Mane with a delicate pass in the first half. He also took his goal well when a golden chance fell in his path after Alexander-Arnold played him through on goal.
ST: Sadio Mane – 7.5/10
The Senegalese speedster was a constant threat for the Porto defenders down the left flank. He scored a poacher’s goal to give Liverpool the all-important away goal in the 26th minute. However, he was also guilty of squandering an easy goal-scoring opportunity in the second half.
LM: Divock Origi – 5.5/10
The Belgian forward struggled to get himself involved in the game and failed to trouble the Porto defenders during his time on the pitch.
Substitutes:
ST: Roberto Firmino – 8/10
The Brazilian came off the bench to press the Porto defenders into making mistakes at the back. He also scored with his headed effort to cap off an excellent victory away at Portugal.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 8/10
Another great cameo from the Liverpool skipper. He put in a delicate ball to set-up Firmino who made no mistake with his header from close range.
RB: Joe Gomez – 7/10
The English defender got some valuable first-team minutes under his belt. He managed to keep things stable at the back during the latter stages of the contest.
