Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane gave a two goal lead to Liverpool before break, and then Salah completed his brace before Firmino scored a double.
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Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino scored twice as Liverpool thrashed FC Porto 5-1 at Estadio Do Dragao on Tuesday. It was a dominant performance from Jurgen Klopp’s side as they took an early lead through Salah before Sadio Mane doubled the lead before the break. Salah completed his brace in the second half before Mehdi Taremi pulled one back for the hosts. And then, Firmino came in and added two late goals to complete the drubbing. Porto has been a happy hunting ground for Liverpool as they had scored nine goals in their last two visits.
The first attempt was registered by Porto midfielder Luis Diaz, but it was a weak shot. And since then it was a complete domination from the visitors.
In the 18th minute, Curtis Jones cut inside from the left and forced a save out of Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Defender Zaidu Sanusi couldn’t clear the rebound and Salah, who was lurking behind, rolled the ball in. Few minutes later, left-back Robertson combined with Mane to deliver a cut back for Diogo Jota at the near post. The Portuguese international’s initial shot was blocked and then his second attempt from the rebound flew over the bar.
Jordan Henderson’s shot from a laid-off free-kick was tipped over the bar by Costa. Soon after, on the stroke of half-time, Liverpool extended the lead through Mane. James Milner who was deployed at right-back, sent in a teasing low cross for Mane to tap in at the far post. It was poor goalkeeping from Costa as he should have prevented the cross from going through.
After the break, Liverpool continued from where they had left off in the first half. Robertson and Jota tested Costa before Salah made it 3-0 on the hour mark. Jones was once again involved as he won the ball in the midfield and drove forward before setting up Salah to slot in from the right side of the box.
In the 74th minute, Porto pulled one back through Taremi. Vieira created space for himself on the right side before sending in a perfect cross for Taremi. The Iranian muscled his way past Joe Gomez before heading in from in front of the goal. But, three minutes later, substitute Firmino made the score 4-1 for Liverpool.
Jones played an overhead long ball and found the run of Firmino up front, with Costa racing out to meet the forward. Firmino took the ball away from the defender and advancing goalkeeper with his first touch and pumped the ball in. Costa, who was out of position, raced back and made a desperate attempt to prevent the goal but the ball had crossed the line well before he had scooped it away.
10 minutes from time, Jones’ long ranger hit Cardoso’s hand before falling into the path of Firmino to fire in. Although initially the linesman raised the flag for offside, the goal was given after a lengthy VAR intervention. It was a brilliant team performance from Kolpp’s side and especially Jones, who was involved in four goals Liverpool scored on the day. The English midfielder was very good with his range of passing as well as ability to take on defenders.
The win helped Liverpool to top of Group B with six points from two games whereas Porto are placed third with a solitary point from two games.
