Klopp can't wait for Barca
Jurgen Klopp admitted he cannot wait to lead Liverpool into a Champions League semifinal against Barcelona after watching his side crush Porto 4-1 in Portugal on Wednesday to complete a 6-1 aggregate victory in their last-eight tie.
On a wet night at the Estadio do Dragao, Liverpool weathered an early storm against Porto before scoring from their first attempt just before the half-hour, Sadio Mane prodding home for a goal given after a lengthy VAR review.
Already in control of this tie after a 2-0 win at Anfield in the first leg, Liverpool had effectively killed off Porto there and then, but Mohamed Salah, substitute Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk added further goals after the break.
Eder Militao scored a consolation for the hosts 21 minutes from time.
Liverpool now march on to a clash with Lionel Messi's Barca, the first meeting of the clubs since a last-16 encounter in 2006/07 that the Reds won on away goals.
"I'm looking forward to it. The news that there is a proper football game between Barcelona and Liverpool is great," said Klopp as his side move a step closer to matching their run to the final a year ago.
"To be in the semifinals for the second year running is a big statement. I am really proud of the boys for what they did."
On the night when Manchester City's quadruple bid died, the dream of a Champions League and Premier League double remains alive for Liverpool and their supporters.
Comments