Liverpool took command of the Champions League last-eight tie with a 2-0 win in the first leg at Anfield.
While the goals scored were important, it was more vital from the Reds’ viewpoint that they keep a clean sheet, and they did just that.
Naby Keita and Roberto Firmino got the scoresheet for Jurgen Klopp’s men, who had other chances to make the scoreline a bit more comfortable.
Around the fifth minute, Firmino found Keita in space at the edge of the Porto box. The Guinea international unleashed a shot, which got deflected off Oliver Torres into the back of the net.
20 minutes later, the home side doubled their lead after Jordan Henderson played a defence-splitting pass to free Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right-hand side of the box.
The youngster then had the composure to pick out Firmino, who just stroked the ball into an unguarded net.
Porto had a couple of decent chances that fell to Moussa Marega, but both of his efforts were weak.
Mohamed Salah had a big chance in the first half, however, he also squandered it.
All in all, a comfortable and professional job by Liverpool. Keeping a clean sheet means an away goal in Portugal will leave Porto with a mountain to climb.
Here’s how we rated the Liverpool players.
Alisson - 6
Made one good save to deny Marega in the first half. His kicking was slightly off radar.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7
Began the game nervously but settled into it and looked the part. Assisted the Firmino goal.
Dejan Lovren - 7
His positioning was wrong at times, but the recovery defending was pretty good. A solid performance from a player who was starting his first game in three months.
Virgil van Dijk - 8
Marega’s pace was causing problems to Liverpool’s back line, but Van Dijk dealt with most situations expertly.
James Milner - 7
Involved in the build-up of the first goal and showed that he is more than useful at left-back.
Fabinho - 7
Won many balls in midfield and kept the team on the front foot. A much better performance from the Brazilian compared to Friday.
Jordan Henderson - 9
It seems as though the captain is enjoying playing in the advanced midfield role. Some of his passing was exquisite, let alone the one that opened up Porto in the build-up to the second goal. A man of the match performance.
Naby Keita - 8
The Guinea international is now starting to show why Liverpool bought him. Scored the opening goal and played wonderfully well both on and off the ball.
Mohamed Salah - 6
He was an ever-present danger to the Porto defence but the final-ball quality was lacking. Missed a great chance in the first half. Slightly lucky to not even get a booking for a challenge late on.
Roberto Firmino - 7
Scored Liverpool’s second and kept linking the play up in attack. He also missed one good chance in the first half that would made the scoreline a bit more comfortable. Subbed off for Daniel Sturridge later on.
Sadio Mane - 6
He was involved in the build-up of the first goal, but nothing of real note other than that. Subbed off for Divock Origi in the second half.
(SUB) Divock Origi - 5
Came on for a quarter of an hour and tried his best to dribble past players and create a chance for the team.
(SUB) Daniel Sturridge - N/A
Came on for the final 8-10 minutes and wasn’t involved much.