Matt’s meanderings: Five things we can take from Liverpool’s Champions League win over Porto

Liverpool eased into the Champions League semi-finals with a 6-1 aggregate victory over Porto, Matt Lee gives his observations on the tie.

Defensive fatalities continue for Liverpool

It may have been Jurgen Klopp’s side who progressed to the Champions League semi-final, but Porto could have begun a potential comeback had Jesús Manuel Corona and Moussa Marega taken full advantage in the opening twenty minutes.

Corona took advantage of the early nerves shown by Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk by stealing the ball, but the Mexican international was unable to keep his effort from the corner of the box on target as he fizzed over the crossbar.

The Premier League leaders may have taken a 2-0 aggregate lead into the second-leg, but the Reds could have been caught resting too much on their laurels as they failed to register a shot in the first twenty-eight minutes in comparison to Porto’s twelve (four on target).

Moussa Marega’s wastefulness

The 28-year-old held a constant threat for Porto in front of goal and could have quite easily had a hat-trick, but the front-man lacked any kind of clinical nature.

On numerous occasions in the first half the striker was picked out in good positions. Marega was found at least three different times before Mane’s opening goal, but a combination of poor touches, inadequate decision making and insufficient power led to Allison keeping him mostly at bay.

One chance is all Liverpool need

Klopp’s side were well and truly under the cosh at the Estádio do Dragão as they failed to execute a shot on Iker Casillas’ goal, but when they did it was a crucial one.

Mohamed Salah controlled excellently under pressure in the penalty area, and the Egyptian did just as well in distributing the ball to Sadio Mané who made no mistake in sliding home from six yards.

The Reds were always likely to score having failed to score in just six games all season, but Liverpool had to wait a few minutes before celebrating as referee Danny Makkelie referred it to VAR to check for a possible offside before awarding the goal.

Divock Origi impressed before his injury

The 23-year-old had struggled to get a full grip on the game but, having been given his first-ever start in the Champions League, the young forward had showed a glimpse of promise.

However, Origi was clobbered by Pepe towards the end of the first half and was left second-best for the remainder of the half.

The forward had been heavily praised by his boss ahead of the fixture, but Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that it’s nothing major as he was forced to make a change at half-time due to the Belgian’s injury.

Would Liverpool rather the League or the Champions League?

Jurgen Klopp refused to answer when asked this in his press conference ahead of the tie with Porto.

Some may have suggested that the German had very little to play for as his side held a two-goal lead heading into the tie, but the Reds boss made just three changes to the side that beat Chelsea two-nil on Sunday.

Divock Origi. James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum all came in with Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson dropping to the bench, but the entire line-up gave Klopp plenty to ponder as they produced excellent performances to leave their boss with a selection dilemma before Saturday’s fixture with Cardiff City.