A professional performance saw Liverpool secure a comfortable 4-1 win over Porto, and a place in the Champions League semi-final now awaits.
Porto 1-4 Liverpool (1-6 agg)
Champions League Quarter-Final Second Leg, Estadio do Drago
April 17, 2019
Goals: Militao 68′; Mane 24′, Salah 65′, Firmino 77′, Van Dijk 84′
The Reds made the trip to Portugal for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie in the knowledge that they had one foot in the semis after their routine 2-0 win at Anfield the week prior.
Porto, however, were quick to put Liverpool under immense pressure in the opening exchanges, but it was Jurgen Klopp‘s men who struck first thanks to Sadio Mane and the intervention of VAR.
The crucial away goal sucked the life out of the Portuguese side as the Reds went on to wrap up the tie through strikes from Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk.
Eder Militao scored a consolation goal for Porto, but it was Liverpool who comfortably secured passage to the next stage, where Barcelona now await.
Here’s how supporters reacted to the result on social media and on our forums.
Mane was lauded for his goal, but there were mixed views on the use of VAR…
Unsurprisingly getting a lot of tweets about VAR. Correct decision. Obviously. Happy with the result obviously but I still dont like it. My feelings wont change on that. It’s what I FEEL when it’s happening.
— Chris Pajak (@mrbloodred) April 17, 2019
VAR is amazing. I’ve never slagged it off. ??? #LFC
— Graeme Kelly (@GraemeKelly1) April 17, 2019
Just the eight opening goals for Sadio Mane in the last ten games Liverpool have taken the lead. Supreme talent.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) April 17, 2019
VAR at its best! 8 in 10 games the opening goal for Mane!! https://t.co/bXvWcHd1RQ
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) April 17, 2019
I’ve always loved VAR……. #PORLIV #LFC
— Jamie Holme (@JamieHolme) April 17, 2019
“Mane is lovely to watch when on form. Fucking unplayable and as direct as you can get.
– indianscouser on the forums.
Always been a massive fan of VAR
— Andy Heaton (@Andrew_Heaton) April 17, 2019
Let me tell you, I’m in the ground, we’ve benefited from its use, but VAR is the biggest pile of shite going. Absolutely ruins it for the match going supporter.
— James Cutler (@cutz10) April 17, 2019
Fans welcomed Gomez’s long awaited return to first team action…
So good to see Joe Gomez back ?
— Jack Sear (@JackSear) April 17, 2019
“Welcome back Gomez.”
– Noo Noo on the forums.
SOOOO happy to see Gomez!
— Erin Mc (@ErinNYC75) April 17, 2019
Gomez is back and my entire heart is happy. Glad to see him back ??
— ?Adetokunbo ? (@aadetokunbo) April 17, 2019
Joe Gomez in the duel before that goal!! ?? Yessss lad! Welcome back! Gorgeous ball from Hendo, he’s purring right now! #LFC
— RafaKennyKloppo (@RafaKennyKloppo) April 17, 2019
While Henderson again impressed in an attacking midfield role…
This Jordan Henderson redemption arc is better than anything from the wildest dreams of George R. R. Martin. #LFC
— Léon L. (@srijandeep) April 17, 2019
“What a difference Hendo is in this new role. Credit where it’s due.. Captain fantastic.. more assists in last 3 games than in last 3 years.”
– Paul Hemnell on Facebook.
Hendo has doubled his last 2 years of assists in the last 230mins
— SimonBrundish (@SimonBrundish) April 17, 2019
“Hendo has been reborn with the newfound freedom JK has granted him. It’s been wonderful to watch and I am thrilled for him. He looks brand new.”
– Neukolln on the forums.
what is even going on with Jordan Henderson assists lately
— oh you beauty (@natefc) April 17, 2019
“Thought Hendo was immense when he came on btw. A man possessed.”
– Iluvatar on the forums.
Three assists and a goal for Henderson in three and a half games in the no.8 role now.
— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) April 17, 2019
Not too late for Henderson to win the Ballon D’or
— John O’Sullivan (@NotoriousJOS) April 17, 2019
The permutations of Spurs knocking Man City out of Europe were considered…
That’s about morale-wrecking as it gets for City, surely?
Great stuff.
— Tom McMahon (@TomMc_Sports) April 17, 2019
OK, I really am feeling delighted about City losing, so I’ll get on board with those of you arguing that it’s better for them to lose and take the hit to their confidence. Woop woop!
— Erin Mc (@ErinNYC75) April 17, 2019
Liverpool are through to the Champions League semi-final, Man City are out. As you were LFC X #LFC #PORLIV #MCITOT #VAR #UCL #ChampionsLeague
— Kop Magazine (@TheKopMagazine) April 17, 2019
Absolute madness at the Etihad ?
Hope Spurs are just as lively on Saturday.
— Jack Sear (@JackSear) April 17, 2019
Just hope Poch goes full strength during the weekend now. I’d say they can afford to drop points in one game and still get top 4.
— Green Scouser (@Green_Scouser) April 17, 2019
Liverpool were not at their best, but the end result was all that mattered…
A dedicated, composed performance. Soaked the threat and hit them, again & again. Henderson and Firmino impacts huge. Back to back semi-finals. #LFC now not just a team to qualify for Champions Leagues, but the nightmare draw. Sublime two legs. #LFCdigest
— Danny Gallagher (@Danny7Gallagher) April 17, 2019
Porto 1 Liverpool 4. Not even at their best. Extraordinary times following this team.
— Chris Bascombe (@_ChrisBascombe) April 17, 2019
Not the greatest of games and here we are. 6-1 on aggregate. Dominating. Bring on your Warnocks and your Messis.
— Liverpool Offside (@LFCOffside) April 17, 2019
“We’re going to smash Barca.”
– SirBillShankly on the forums.
Comprehensive 4-1 away win in Porto without playing anywhere near our best for large swathes of the game. This Liverpool side are incredible.
— Tom Holmes (@TomHolmes19) April 17, 2019
BRING ON MESSI! ALLEZ ALLEZ ALLEZ! ?#LFC #UCL #PORLIV
— Scott Groom (@ScottCGroom) April 17, 2019
Wow Liverpool! Bring on Barca!
— Jim Boardman (@JimBoardman) April 17, 2019
Goodness, though. Through to the semis again. A chance to put out Barcelona. City rocking. A legitimate chance at the double. Goodness. What a final month to the season this could be.
— Liverpool Offside (@LFCOffside) April 17, 2019
