Standing firm against such cynicism, Klopp said from the outset he was not going to grant favours to Porto, although circumstances meant he could not make wholesale changes. Klopp’s dilemma in the final group game against AC Milan in a fortnight will be the same as here, considering which stars to rest rather than risk.Ī conspiratorial Liverpool coach might examine the group table, recall Atlético Madrid’s conduct during recent fixtures, and consider Europe will not mourn a round of sixteen bereft of Diego Simeone’s war-mongers. “We have to play even better on Saturday against Southampton,” said the manager. The goalscorers were subbed almost immediately after their celebrations, Klopp able to win in Europe with an eye firmly on the Premier League weekend. Klopp was able to start with teenager Tyler Morton in midfield, Neco Williams at right back, and give Takumi Minamino another chance in attack, and although the general intensity level was understandably lower than usual, they were comfortable by full-time. What impressed from there was the ease with which back-up players slotted into the line-up and still outplayed an opponent which may yet join them in the round of sixteen. “He has the technique to do it, but it needs timing to hit such a thunderball,” said Klopp. That came on 52 minutes when Thiago slammed past Diogo Costa from 30 yards for his first Champions League goal since leaving Bayern Munich. It still included a goal that would have blessed the latter stages of the competition. This was not a virtuoso European performance from Liverpool. The Portuguese side had some chances but failed to land a punch as second half goals from Thiago Alcantara and Mohamed Salah demonstrated why Klopp’s side are serious challengers to add to their tally as six-time winners, especially in a dominant second half when Porto’s defence wilted in front of the Kop.
The symbolism of the moment may be revered more fondly than the 90 minutes itself.
Porto had everything to play for at Anfield, Liverpool nothing other than a few million Uefa winnings for another group game victory.įuture generations might look wistfully on such evenings, in awe at the ease with which Liverpool swatted aside esteemed opponents, even when many of their VIPs were left on the bench. While Porto, Atlético Madrid and AC Milan scrap on in a group initially deemed ‘of death’, Liverpool - already certain of qualification as group winners - reaffirmed their superiority even with the stakes low. Suffice to say, this ultimately routine victory over Porto is not among them, and yet in its distinct way the manner of it summed up why Liverpool are again the team everyone else in Europe most wants to avoid.īeating a team of Porto’s calibre while generally in second gear - securing a fifth consecutive group victory in the process - is a skill mastered only by the most accomplished.
Jürgen Klopp has compiled an extensive list of memorable Champions League nights during his Liverpool reign.
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