Liverpool cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win against Porto at Anfield to take firm control of the Champions League quarter-final tie.
The European journey reconvened as the Reds locked horns with the Portuguese side at the knockout stage for the second season running.
Liverpool triumphed spectacularly last season thanks to a dominant first-leg win, and Jurgen Klopp’s side took control once again with a comfortable victory on home soil.
Anfield was expectant and the Kop end looked typically glorious for another big European night, with all the flags and banners on display.
Klopp made three changes to his starting lineup, with Dejan Lovren, James Milner and captain Jordan Henderson all handed starts.
The night started perfectly as Naby Keita opened the scoring after just five minutes with his second goal in as many games.
The Reds completely dominated the midfield battle, with Henderson in excellent form once again.
Some fantastic attacking football was played in the first period, which Sadio Mane was heavily involved in.
Roberto Firmino doubled the lead mid-way through the first-half, finishing a great move with a tap-in which surprisingly was not a no-look effort.
It was another tough Anfield visit for Iker Casillas, who received a wonderful ovation from the Kop on his record-breaking 176th Champions League appearance.
Liverpool pushed for a third goal to seal the tie, and Mohamed Salah led the charge with a lively display that only lacked a goal.
The third proved elusive and the Reds had to settle for a 2-0 victory after a good night’s work.
It was vital that Liverpool built an advantage to take to Portugal, and Klopp will be pleased his side did that to take control of the tie.
Liverpool will bring this confidence and winning form to Anfield on Sunday as the title run-in resumes with a crucial clash against Chelsea.
