A thrilling first half performance from Liverpool saw them comfortably decimate their PL rivals, Manchester City, in the first leg of their Champions League quarter final first leg tie at Anfield.
Goals from Mohamed Salah, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and Sadio Mane earned the Reds a convincing 3-0 advantage heading into the second leg next week.
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After the first ten minutes, which saw neither side create anything of note, it was the host who found the breakthrough following a devastating counter attack, as Salah put them 1-0 up, after a defensive error from City’s defenders.
It was Salah’s seventh goal of the season in the CL, as he continues to look unstoppable.
The visitors almost equalised, with a counter attack of their own, led by Leroy Sane, but it was wasted by the German, whose shot went wide despite having better options for a pass.
However, City were made to rue that opportunity when Chamberlain’s ferocious long range effort minutes later doubled Liverpool’s advantage, before Mane’s header, off a peach cross from Salah, put the Reds 3-0 ahead at the break.
The second half saw a more defensive approach from the home side, who substituted Salah and were content with sitting back and playing on the counter, surrendering possession to City.
City did have the ball at the back of the net late on, through Gabriel Jesus, but it was ruled for an offside.
However, despite their best efforts, Pep Guardiola’s men were unable to break down the Reds’ resolute defense, led by world most expensive defender, Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool held on for the win, and go into next week’s second leg at the Etihad with a comfortable lead.
In the other game, Barcelona are closer to another semifinal appearance after a comfortable 4-1 victory over AS Roma at Camp Nou.
Two own goals from Roma, first from Daniele De Rossi in the first half, and then, a second from Kostantinos Manolas saw Barca take a 2-0 lead.
Gerard Pique and Luis Suarez added two more goals for the host, before Edin Dzeko gave the Italians hope going into the second leg next week when he pulled one back.
Not a vintage performance by the Spanish giants, who struggled to fins their rhythm, but a comfortable result at the end.
Full Results
Liverpool 3-0 Man City
Barcelona 4-1 Roma
