Liverpool hasn’t reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League since 2009. However, with a massive 5-0 win in their first leg at Porto, they basically have one foot through to the next stage. It would take a collapse of insane proportions to keep Liverpool from the quarterfinals as they host Porto in the second leg on March 6th.
What To Know About Porto
Porto came into this game desperately overmatched, even at home as they were missing Vincent Aboubakar through injury. Aboubakar scored five goals in the group stages to lead Porto, who actually started the game on a solid foot. But eventually, the defense gave out by allowing two goals in a four-minute span and the rout was on. However, it is very disappointing that they basically gave up in the second half and couldn’t even keep it close enough to give themselves a chance going into the second leg. Porto’s back line couldn’t do anything with Liverpool’s forwards and it looked like they had never played together before. Goalkeeper Jose Sa didn’t look confident at all and you have to wonder if it would have been better to have 36-year-old Iker Casillas, who has won everything you can win in soccer, between the sticks instead.
What To Know About Liverpool
Liverpool’s front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino were absolutely devastating against Porto. Mane scored a hat trick as many were wondering when he would break out of his slump, while Salah scored his 30th goal of the season in all competitions. Firmino added a signle and now has seven goals in the Champions League, which is tied for second with Tottenham’s Harry Kane (Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo leads all scorers with 11 goals). While it was a great team performance, Liverpool’s forwards bossed this game and when they’re on, you could argue that Liverpool has the best attack in Europe. Salah has been incredible all season and you can bet that the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain will come calling, and it is going to cost Liverpool a lot of money to keep him. Firmino is one of the most underrated strikers in Europe, and Mane is inconsistent, but he can be lethal.
Outlook
Liverpool are favored at home at -225, while Porto are listed at +550 and a draw comes in at +350. Porto has visited Liverpool twice, falling 2-0 in the second leg of the 2001 UEFA Cup (Liverpool went on to win), and then losing 4-1 in the group stage of the 2007-08 Champions League. The odds could change for this match leading up to the game as Liverpool has the chance to rest players with five away goals in their pockets. Liverpool also has a trip to Manchester United in the English Premier League four days later, so they could have their eye on that match. For Porto, this is a chance to show some pride and at least get a goal at Liverpool, but the home side should be strolling through to the next stage.
Champions League Betting Pick: Liverpool
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