Liverpool progressed into the Champions League quarter-finals after a largely dire affair from start to finish at Anfield. Positives will be drawn from the encounter, such as a rare clean sheet for either side.
After a near-decade hiatus, Liverpool are back among the top eight teams in Europe. A five-goal lead from the first leg, added to Jurgen Klopp's reluctance to see his team rest on their laurels, sealed the Reds' quarter-final berth.
The German manager named a strong side for the visit of Primeira Liga leaders Porto, who were in need of significant improvement to make the tie competitive again at Anfield, but the travelling fans were not granted a performance worthy of their unconditional support.
'You’ll Never Walk Alone' echoed around the stadium as both sets of players emerged, but then the 3,000 Porto fans took over and began to make plenty of noise despite the lack of ambition on display from their team.
It was a rather subdued atmosphere on Merseyside otherwise, with chances coming at a premium and Liverpool dominating possession. Attack is the best form of defence for Klopp's team, but we were made to wait over thirty minutes for the first clear opening of the game, while those in attendance did not witness a single shot on target in the entire first half.
Sadio Mane, who had previously turned Joe Gomez's cross just over the bar, chested down James Milner's pass before whacking a shot across goal and off the far post, with Iker Casillas rooted to the spot. The Spanish goalkeeper, making potentially his final appearance in the competition, was hardly tested as Porto looked to avoid another heavy defeat.
The Portuguese side were missing the drive and desire required to complete such an inconceivable comeback, allowing the hosts to dwell on the ball. Jurgen Klopp's team took up the invitation and controlled the tempo of the fixture, comfortable with the dearth of goalmouth action as the first half came to a close goalless.
- Porto's fate sealed -
Both Liverpool and Porto have been strongly criticised for their poor defending at times this season, but this Champions League tie serves as a testament to their improvement, as well as their unwillingness to take unnecessary risks.
Liverpool continued to shade possession after the break, and it wasn't until they stepped up the pace in the closing stages that we saw a flurry of half-chances force Karius and Casillas into action. The introduction of Mohamed Salah made things happen for the Reds, but neither the Egyptian nor Ings could find the back of the net, while Corona and Oliver Torres came closest for the visitors.
Klopp sees the free-flowing and highly entertaining style displayed in the first leg and the solid performance of the second rewarded as Liverpool progress into the quarter-finals with the minimum of fuss. The Reds return to the place where they belong in European football.