On this day (April 9) 2019, Liverpool took a giant stride towards the UEFA Champions League final in Madrid with a 2-0 victory over FC Porto in at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were met by a rousing reception from the adoring Kop as the Reds swept aside their Portuguese opponents.
Guinean midfielder Naby Keita – who is currently under scrutiny for his Real Madrid showing – opened the scoring after just 5 minutes with a well-placed deflected finish into the top right-hand corner.
Roberto Firmino got on the end of a pinpoint Trent Alexander-Arnold low cross to double the lead with a simple finish at the back post and Klopp’s men were well in command of the tie.
The hosts had chances to put the contest beyond doubt at the first time of asking, but were more than satisfied with their night’s work, in particular, the clean sheet.
Two men who have now left the club, Dejan Lovren and Daniel Sturridge both featured for the Reds, whilst Simon Mignolet remained an unused substitute.
Liverpool went on to advance to the semi-final 6-2 on aggregate after a 4-1 away victory in Portugal – on their way to another famous Champions League victory.
Back in the present day, Klopp’s side kept themselves in with a shout of a semi-final berth this season despite being off the pace on Tuesday night in Madrid – Mohamed Salah’s away goal giving the Reds renewed hope of qualification.
