Dazzling Liverpool shocks Man City
Liverpool took a firm grip on their Champions League quarter-final as they walloped Manchester City 3-0. The three-goal burst from Jurgen Klopp’s side were made in the first 31 minutes at Anfield.
City’s only Premier League defeat as they move to the brink of the title has been a 4-3 loss at Anfield in January - and they were made to suffer once more in the face of Liverpool’s pressing, aggression and potent attack.
Mohamed Salah pounced in the area to score his 38th goal of the season after 12 minutes and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain doubled their lead eight minutes later when he unleashed a fierce shot past Ederson from 20 yards.
And the third goal that gives Liverpool such a commanding advantage to take to Etihad Stadium next Tuesday came just after the half-hour when Sadio Mane rose to head home Salah’s cross.
Liverpool, potentially crucially, emerged from the second half without conceding an away goal, although an injury that forced Salah off will be a concern. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was in celebratory mood after the final whistle as he applauded The Kop and whirled his fists in front of Anfield’s giant Main Stand.
It was easy to see why - but Liverpool will be taking nothing for granted against a side of City’s quality and attacking threat.
Liverpool, however, have secured the sort of result they would have dreamed of before kick-off with a three-goal lead to take into the second leg and that vital clean sheet to act as added insurance.
And, significantly, Liverpool have just the sort of attack to punish a team pushing for goals, as City will need to do next Tuesday.
GUARDIOLA CONFUSED OVER BUS ATTACK
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he “doesn’t understand” why his team’s coach was attacked outside Anfield before their Champions League tie against Liverpool.
The Spaniard also questioned why the incident was allowed to occur when police “knew it was going to happen”.
Liverpool apologised and called the behaviour “completely unacceptable”.
No players or staff were injured but two police officers were hurt and the coach was left unsafe,
Merseyside Police had issued a statement saying the two team coaches would “not be taking their usual route” because of “building works and to ensure the safety of fans”. Liverpool had asked their supporters “to gather to show their passion and support for the team... in a friendly, respectful and considerate manner”.
But as the City coach went past the stadium, a large crowd had gathered outside and cans, bottles and flares were thrown.
Speaking after his side’s 3-0 quarter-final first-leg defeat, Guardiola said he “did not expect” the incident to happen and referenced the attack on the Borussia Dortmund’s team bus last April, which left defender Marc Bartra injured. “Normally when the police know it is going to happen, they tried to avoid it from happening,” said ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Guardiola. “So I did not expect it from the Liverpool side, their people. “One year ago something happened in Dortmund.
“We come here to play football and I don’t understand this kind of situation. The bus is destroyed but I did not expect a prestigious club like Liverpool doing this kind of thing. It is not Liverpool, it is the people, maybe one, two or three, but hopefully it does not happen again.”
Liverpool said in a statement: “We apologise unreservedly to Pep Guardiola, his players, staff and officials caught up in the incident. The priority now is to establish the facts and offer Manchester City whatever support is necessary.” Merseyside Police match commander Superintendent Paul White said the force “will conduct enquiries to identify who was responsible and bring them to justice”.
SUAREZ STRIKES IN BARCA’S WIN
Luis Suarez scored his first Champions League goal in more than a year as Barcelona beat Roma 4-1 convincingly in the quarter-final first leg. Barca benefitted from two own goals to take control of the tie.
First Daniele de Rossi slid into his own net in a bid to keep the ball away from Lionel Messi, and then Kostas Manolas bundled another in, with Gerard Pique tapping in Barcelona’s third. Edin Dzeko gave Roma hope - but Suarez then slammed home from 14 yards.
Barca are strong favourites to clinch their first semi-final spot since 2014/15, when they won the tournament.