Sadio Mane delivered a spectacular Champions League hat-trick, powering Liverpool to a commanding 5-0 victory over FC Porto at the Estadio Do Dragao on a thrilling Wednesday night.
Under Jurgen Klopp’s masterful guidance, Liverpool took full control from the get-go in this crucial last-16, first-leg clash in Portugal. The Reds established a strong 2-0 lead by halftime thanks to quick-fire goals from Leroy Sane and the ever-talented Mohamed Salah. The second half belonged to Roberto Firmino and the dazzling Mane, who completed the absolute rout.
Match Highlights
The home team struggled to find their rhythm and were penalised for defensive mistakes early on. Although Porto had a few fleeting chances — including one when Moussa Marega set up Otavinho in the box, but the shot sailed over in the ninth minute — Liverpool’s dominance was clear.
Andy Robertson made an ambitious attempt from distance on his Champions League debut in the 13th minute, but it didn’t trouble the Porto goalkeeper Jose Sa. The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Mane’s strike slipped beneath Sa and into the net.
Just four minutes later, Liverpool doubled their advantage under dramatic circumstances. James Milner’s effort hit the post, only for Salah to nimbly flick the rebound over Sa and into the goal.
Liverpool maintained pressure, but Porto almost pulled one back before the break, with Yacine Brahimi setting up Tiquinho inside the box, though the Brazilian’s attempt went wide.
The second half saw Liverpool continue their relentless attacking football. A superb counter-attack in the 53rd minute saw Firmino release Salah, who then set up Firmino again with an exquisite backheel before the Brazilian’s shot was saved by Sa. However, Mane was perfectly positioned to tap in at the back post.
Goalkeeper Loris Karius was called into action shortly after, effortlessly handling a tame Marega shot.
Firmino doubled his tally in the 64th minute, expertly guiding Milner’s pass into the bottom-left corner, wrapping up a dominant Liverpool display.
Mane nearly secured his hat-trick on 83 minutes but fired over the bar. Undeterred, the Senegalese winger sealed the deal two minutes later with a stunning 20-yard strike that flew past the keeper into the top right corner, taking home the match ball.
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