Liverpool should be strolling to the Champions League final as they lit up Roma for five goals at home in the first leg of their semifinal matchup. However, Roma scored two away goals in the last ten minutes to give themselves a chance as they go home to Rome for the second tie on Wednesday, May 2nd.
What To Know About Liverpool
Mohamed Salah haunted his former team in Liverpool’s 5-2 win as he scored a pair of goals in the first half to kick things off, and he also set up a pair of goals. Roberto Firmino also had two goals and two assists, while Sadio Mane added a single for Liverpool, whose attacking trio continues to light up England and Europe. When Salah, Firmino and Mane are on, there aren’t many attacking forces in Europe that can keep up with them. However, Liverpool’s defensive issues at the back popped up once again to keep Roma in the tie as they conceded a late penalty (although James Milner really didn’t have time to avoid a handball) and then Dejan Lovren allowed Edin Dzeko to get behind him and score. Liverpool have had their problems late in games this season, both in England and in Europe. Had they stayed switched on for the full 90 minutes, this tie would be over. Also, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain suffered what looked like a very bad knee injury and he definitely won’t be available for the second leg. His availability for the World Cup seems to be in question now.
What To Know About Liverpool Roma
Roma might have been a bit too adventurous going to Liverpool, where their opposition is so good with the crowd behind them. Playing a high defensive line at Anfield against that attacking trio was never going to work, Roma’s midfielders were given the run-around by their Liverpool counterparts and Juan Jesus had a horrible night at the back. However, Roma saw that Liverpool had taken their foot off the gas with ten minutes to go and pounced as Dzeko got behind the defense and took his goal incredibly well. Roma were also a bit fortunate with their penalty, which was scored by Diego Perotti, but when you get to this point in the Champions League, you take any breaks you can. Those away goals give them a chance going back home, where they pulled out a 3-0 win over Barcelona in the quarterfinals to get here.
Outlook
Roma are favored at home at 2.30, while Liverpool comes in at 2.75 and a draw is rated at 3.75. Liverpool won 2-0 at Roma in 2001 in the UEFA Cup, and then drew 0-0 in the Champions League later that year. They have also had some great away results in the Champions League this season, especially their 2-1 win at Manchester City in the quarterfinals. Roma has to go out and attack Liverpool to make up their deficit and while they did it against Barcelona, Liverpool’s attacking trio has been much better than Barcelona’s this season, especially Salah, who heads back to a place where he spent almost two years. If Roma can’t contain Salah, this tie will be over quickly. But Liverpool’s defense has to remain focused for 90 minutes.
Champions League Betting Pick: Liverpool
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