Liverpool are through to the Champions League semi-finals after beating Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad stadium in their quarter-final second-leg clash, writes DEAN WORKMAN.
Jurgen Klopp’s men were in control of the tie after their 3-0 first leg victory and Pep Guardiola admitted pre-match that Manchester City needed a ‘near perfect’ performance to overcome the three-goal deficit they faced.
Guardiola’s team got off to the perfect start as they opened the scoring with just two minutes gone. Raheem Sterling pressed Virgil van Dijk, who gave the ball back to City in the middle of the pitch. Fernandinho sent Sterling through down the right wing and the English winger squared the ball back to Gabriel Jesus who slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
The Citizens then continued to push forward in search of more goals but Liverpool were doing well to keep their shape and proved difficult to break down.
After creating a number of half-chances, City thought they doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time. Loris Karius’ poor punch deflected back off James Milner towards the goal. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Leroy Sane then both challenged for the ball, but the German got there first to tap it home. The goal, however, was ruled out for offside. Guardiola was livid with the decision and got sent to the stands at the break after confronting the referee, 1-0 to City at half-time, Liverpool still in control of the tie.
Klopp’s team started the second half with a renewed vigour and after a good spell of possession, they grabbed the all-important away goal. Georginio Wijnaldum sent Sadio Mane through on goal, Ederson came rushing off his line and dived at the feet of Mane. Despite making the save, Ederson could not hold on to the ball while Mohamed Salah was quickest to react by picking up the scraps and chipping the ball over Nicolas Otamendi into the back of the net, 1-1 on the night, Liverpool 4-1 up on aggregate.
The Reds were playing with a confidence, which was lacking at times in the first half, and on 77 minutes they killed the tie off beyond any doubt. An Otamendi error let Roberto Firmino in and the Brazilian kept his cool as he curled it beyond Ederson into the bottom corner.
Liverpool were happy to protect their lead as they sat back and allowed Manchester City to keep the ball. Guardiola’s team could not find another goal, losing both the game and the tie.
Liverpool are through to the Champions League semi-finals with a 5-1 aggregate victory after two outstanding performances at both Anfield and the Etihad Stadium.
