Champions League: EPL Power Rankings in Second Legs
By Orri Benatar
It’s not like Liverpool played amazing in a 0-0 draw against Porto last week. They take the top spot by default for being the only English side to go unbeaten in the two round of 16 legs. A 5-0 win in Porto proved enough to kick out the Portuguese side and move Liverpool on to the quarterfinals.
The first appearance in the last eight for Klopp’s team since 2009 isn’t purely based on luck. The offensive trio keeps performing at the highest level against almost every team they face. The real test comes with whoever they draw and if their defense can keep a clean sheet.
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Liverpool’s defense will not be able to handle the majority of the teams remaining in the Champions League. Cristiano Ronaldo could score some hat-tricks, Lionel Messi could score some double hat-tricks, and Dybala might get a few. Defensive issues will be at its highest against the best teams in Europe. It will be a challenging test for van Dijk, Lovren, and Karius.
Liverpool’s only chance of making the last four is drawing Roma or Sevilla. Sevilla played them in the group stage and had a memorable comeback for a 3-3 draw. The Reds need a plethora of goals to make the semifinals. It’s unlikely against Madrid or Barcelona. Klopp will need the luck of the draw on Saint Patricks Day to make semifinals dream more likely.