Liverpool v Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: Second Leg
#4 Sadio Mane
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Liverpool v Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: Second Leg
Without Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, Jurgen Klopp only had Sadio Mane from his fabled front three on the pitch on the night. It meant that there was additional pressure on Mane to lead the young and inexperienced attack against a stellar Barcelona side. And, Mane certainly lived up to those expectations. Even though he could not score, Mane was brilliant on the night.
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The Senegalese started on his usual position on the left, but had the freedom to drift across the front three. Every time he had the ball, Barcelona looked shaken. They could not deal with his pace and power, as Mane regularly drove past the defence and into the box. He was extremely good with the ball at his feet and took the fight to Barcelona right from the start. But even when he did not have the ball, the Senegalese was a monster on the field.
Mane showed great desire and attitude on the field. He was always pouncing on the loose balls, and his intent inspired the rest of the young attack to keep trying.
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