Liverpool ratings as Sadio Mane scores an 8 while Roberto Firmino gets a 5 in 0-0 draw against Porto

Aditya Devavrat 02:36 07/03/2018
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  • Sadio Mane came closest to scoring in Liverpool's draw.

    Liverpool‘s 5-0 win in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie away from home against Porto meant they entered Tuesday’s second leg at home already in cruise control.

    They stayed there throughout the night, exercising rare restraint and game management skills to see out a 0-0 draw at Anfield that booked their spot in the quarter-finals.

    Here’s a look at how the players performed.

    STARTING XI

    Loris Karius 6 – Had little to do of note, only required to make a routine save. On a night where he had little to gain, Karius made sure he lost nothing.

    Joe Gomez 6 – For a player deployed out of position, Gomez showed decent skill and nous. He isn’t quite at the level of Trent Alexander-Arnold, but Gomez is a capable backup.

    Joel Matip 7 – A solid display from a player who had gone off the boil this season. More displays like this will see him challenge for a starting berth again.

    Dejan Lovren 7 – Alongside Matip, Lovren extinguished what little threat from Porto there was, showing his newfound calmness at the back yet again.

    Alberto Moreno 6 – Not asked to do much defensively. The Spaniard could have done more in attack, often failing to deliver a telling ball in the final third.

    Emre Can 7 – Can embodied Liverpool’s control of this game, helping Liverpool keep possession and popping up in attack and defence whenever necessary, without being spectacular.

    Jordan Henderson 7 – One of Henderson’s better displays this season. Given time and space to operate, Henderson was composed on the ball and showed off his passing range.

    James Milner 6 – The veteran midfielder should have gotten on the score sheet, slipping when presented with a glorious chance. Was his usual industrious self otherwise.

    Sadio Mane 8 – The hat-trick hero from the first leg came closest to scoring, with an acrobatic effort that just missed followed by a shot against the post. Unlucky not to find the back of the net.

    Roberto Firmino 5 – This looked like a Roberto Firmino conserving himself, with Manchester United to come at the weekend. Certainly not one of his more effective displays.

    Adam Lallana 6 – Slightly less energetic than his usual displays, probably by design as Liverpool knew they didn’t have to strain themselves. Set Milner up for one of Liverpool’s best chances.

    SUBSTITUTES

    Danny Ings 6 – A good run-out for the Englishman, after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Nearly scored, as well, being denied by a brilliant Iker Casillas save.

    Mohamed Salah 6 – It was strange to see the Egyptian even come on, with the Reds in no need of a goal. He definitely added impetus to their attack, but on current form, any game in which he doesn’t score is a disappointment.

    Ragnar Klavan 7 – Pulled off an absolutely stunning block to preserve Liverpool’s draw late in the game. He’s been criticised this season, deservedly, but that moment should give him a huge confidence boost.

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