Liverpool entertained Barcelona at Anfield earlier tonight looking to make up a 3-0 deficit from the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie. The Reds began the encounter on the front foot and took the lead in the 7th minute courtesy of Divock Origi’s goal. However, Barca started to threaten on the counter and went into the half-time break with a two-goal advantage in the tie.
The second half was more of the same with the Reds pushing on in search of more goals. Georginio Wijnaldum came on in the second half to replace the injured, Andrew Robertson and he scored two quickfire goals to make things level in the tie. Trent Alexander-Arnold caught the Barca defenders sleeping in the 79th minute when he found an open Origi from a corner who made no mistake from close range. The match ended with the impossible becoming possible as Liverpool ran out 4-0 winners on the night and 4-3 victors in the tie.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player performed during the match against the Catalans.
GK: Alisson Ramses Becker – 9/10
The Brazilian keeper was a Goliath at the back as he made some crucial saves to deny the Catalans attackers a goal during the game.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 9.5/10
The English full-back handled Phillipe Coutinho quite well in the first half and put in an excellent cross in from the corner for Liverpool’s decisive fourth goal tonight.
CB: Joel Matip – 10/10
The Cameroonian centre-back put in a spectacular performance in defence as he left Luis Suarez frustrated during the game. He also made some crucial clearances on his way to keeping a deserved clean sheet.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – 10/10
The Dutch defender oozes class, and it was once again on full display tonight. He won a lot of aerial duels and hardly gave Lionel Messi any breathing room for major periods of the contest.
LB: Andrew Robertson – 9/10
The Scottish left-back put in a tireless performance in the first half. He was a constant outlet for the Reds down the left flank. Unfortunately, he had to go off with an injury at half-time.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 9/10
Henderson put in a captain’s performance at the heart of Klopp’s midfield. His energetic runs caused a lot of problems for the Barca defenders in the first half.
CM: Fabinho – 8.5/10
The Brazilian midfielder got cautioned early in the match and was walking a defensive tightrope for the remainder of the game. However, he was clever enough not to make any mistakes when the Catalans had possession of the ball.
CM: James Milner – 9/10
His work ethic has been exemplary this season, and it was no exception tonight. Milner put in a calm and composed display as a midfielder in the first half. The English veteran was later shifted to fill in at left-back in the second half. Milner excelled in his old role as he whipped in some dangerous crosses during the latter stages of the contest.
RM: Xherdan Shaqiri – 6/10
The Swiss winger struggled to make an impact in the opposition half. He was also guilty of playing some inaccurate passes and throwing away possession. However, to his credit, Shaqiri’s deliveries from corners and set-pieces were often on the money.
LM: Divock Origi – 10/10
The Belgian striker is turning out to be a priceless asset in Klopp’s squad. He gave Liverpool hope in the 7th minute and also kept his composure to slot in the winning goal in the final quarter of the clash.
ST: Sadio Mané – 9/10
The Senegalese speedster wreaked havoc down the left flank as his driving runs saw the Barca defence in sixes and sevens. He was also a tireless worker in the second half which is a surprise considering how heavily he has featured for Liverpool of late.
Substitutes:
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 10/10
Klopp’s super substitute did most of the damage in the second half as he scored two quick-fire goals to pull the Reds back from the dead.
CB: Joe Gomez – N/A
He hardly had any time to influence the game.
ST: Daniel Sturridge – N/A
The English striker came off the bench to run the clock down for the home side.
