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Liverpool reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 9 years after drawing a relatively dull home leg against Porto at Anfield. The Reds went through courtesy of their 5-0 drubbing during the away leg.
The match was not even close to being half as happening as the first leg was but it had some exciting moments, a few scoring opportunities sprung up but the deadlock was never broken. Let’s take a look at how players from both teams spared today.
Liverpool
Loris Karius- 6/10
The German custodian was frankly not put to the test that much but he looked pretty confident between the sticks. His morale seems to be growing match by match and this could help him a lot during the next stages when Liverpool will surely be up against the true powerhouses of European football.
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Joe Gomez- 6/10
Was pretty decent on the right flank today and defended well. Set up a good scoring chance for Sadio Mane from the flank only for the striker to volley it over the crossbar.
Joel Matip- 6/10
The Cameroonian centre-back was not given much of a challenge by the Porto attackers but was up to the challenge whenever required. Was effective in a couple of aerial challenges.
Dejan Lovren- 6.5/10
The Croat had a lot of touches on the ball throughout the match and made a crucial block on Oliver Torres’ late shot.
Alberto Moreno- 6.5/10
The Spanish left-back looked more offensive than defensive tonight judging by his constant eagerness to run down the left-flank and generate attacks. However, he did come up with some important challenges.
Emre Can- 6.5/10
Was pretty much good in the middle of the park. Linked up well with both forwards and defenders during his playing time.
Jordan Henderson- 6/10
Made some very important tackles and interceptions and had a pretty decent game.
James Milner- 8.5/10
Undeniably Liverpool’s star of the match. Was terrific throughout the entirety of the match. Made crucial tackles, linked up well with the players and was involved in setting up a few attacks.
Adam Lallana- 6.5/10
Looked agile on the field. Made good use of some much-needed playing time. Linked up well with Gomez at the right flank.
Roberto Firmino- 5/10
The Brazilian had a rather quiet day at the front as not many scoring opportunities came his way. The only prominent scoring opportunity that came his way was during the 60th minute. He made some passes to Sadio Mane who could not get the desired result.
Sadio Mane- 6.5/10
Had a few scoring opportunities but could not get his name on the scoresheet. His best chance came in the first half when he hit the post.
Substitutes
Danny Ings- 6/10
Replaced Firmino in the 62nd minute. Came up with a very good scoring chance during the final moments of the game only for Iker Casillas to make a fine save.
Mohamed Salah- 5/10
Replaced Sadio Mane in the 74th minute. Had a shot on goal which barely troubled Casillas.
Ragnar Klavan- N/A
Came on for Emre Can during the final 10 minutes of the match.
FC Porto
Iker Casillas- 7/10
The veteran goalie made some brilliant saves throughout the game, the most notable one of them being the last gasp save from Danny Ings’ which helped to maintain the deadlock.
Maxi Pereira- 6/10
The former Uruguayan international made a brilliant block from Roberto Firmino during the 60th minute. Was pretty much decent at the back.
Felipe- 6/10
Was decent at the back and came up with a few tackles. Diverted Alberto Moreno’s shot towards the goalkeeper at a very delicate position.
Diego Reyes- 7/10
Was the best amongst the Porto players as he shut out Sadio Mane and the other Liverpool attackers on several occasions.
Diogo Dalot- 4.5/10
The Portuguese teenager did not have a very good outing as he didn’t do very well in shutting out the Liverpool forwards. Was not very effective offensively either.
Oliver Torres- 6/10
Was more or less okay at the back. Had a very good chance to score a goal during the 86th minute only for Dejan Lovren to foil him.
Andre Andre- 4.5/10
Had a disappointing game and was booked during the first half.
Bruno Costa- 5.5/10
The youngster did not have a very memorable outing at midfield today.
Jesus Corona- 5/10
The Mexican had a few opportunities coming his way but he could not cash on them.
Vincent Aboubakar- 5/10
The Cameroonian forward tried hard at the front but wasn’t able to score a goal.
Majeed Waris- 5.5/10
The Ghanian had a few chances but was unable to make the most out of them. He was eventually subbed off with a calf injury.
Substitutes
Sergio Oliveira- NA
Replaced Andre Andre in the 62nd minute.
Ricardo Pereira- NA
Came on for Majeed Waris who was taken off due to a calf injury in the 66th minute.
Goncalo Paciencia- NA
Came on for Vincent Aboubakar in the 79th minute.
