Champions League: Liverpool killed FC Porto UCL dreams in five ways

PORTO, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 14: Sadio Mane of Liverpool celebrates scoring the 3rd goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between FC Porto and Liverpool at Estadio do Dragao on February 14, 2018 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
PORTO, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 14: Sadio Mane of Liverpool celebrates scoring the 3rd goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between FC Porto and Liverpool at Estadio do Dragao on February 14, 2018 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

A satisfying result for Liverpool after taking the Round of 16 match to FC Porto. Five goals to no answer, was exactly the showcase in Portugal.

Liverpool have really picked up in form over the last few fixtures. Two clean sheets in as many games, is something unheard of from the Merseyside outfit.

Klopp, and his team of backroom staff got things perfectly right on Wednesday night, when they visited a noisy, Estadio do Dragao. The home side had everything going for themselves, besides being involved in the clash.

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FC Porto 0-5 Liverpool match stats:

FC Porto
Stat
Liverpool
0Goals5
45%Possession55%
81%Pass Accuracy81%
501Total Passes616
8Total Shots14
3Shots on Target6
6Corners1
15Tackles27
3Offsides0
9Fouls10
0Yellow Cards0
0Red Cards0

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In the early parts of the first half – the Dragons went at the Reds and took shape as the better team on the pitch. But this only lasted for about 10 minutes.

Liverpool were the first to draw blood and once blood was shed – Klopp’s men didn’t stop until the home side bled dry. The results brought about amazing stats for the English club.

It took them to the most goals ever scored by an English team, in the Champions League.

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On the night – the trio of Liverpool’s deadly men up front was all on target, yet again. The forward to stand out above all was, Sadio Mane. The winger put in a stellar performance and collected a hat-trick of goals.

He and Mo Salah, accompanied by Bobby – were just too much to deal with for the Blue and whites backline – as all of them got on the score sheet, in world-class style.

As it was up front, so was it at the back for the Reds. Virgil van Dijk gave proof of £75 million on his Champions League debut, along Dejan Lovren, who side-by-side, exterminated each attack by Porto.

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However, the real magic happen in the middle of the pitch – where Liverpool’s midfield three, totally eclipsed Porto’s men in the centre of the park.

Some will say Porto had an off night, some will say Liverpool didn’t allow them to play football. I say it’s over and Liverpool can start making plans for other important ties.

Porto can start preparations for next season’s attempt.