The UEFA Champions League game played on Tuesday, saw Mohammed Salah twice and provide two assists in Liverpool’s 5-2 win. Roma’s two late goals kept their chances for another unlikely comeback alive, however.
Roma survived the first 20 minutes relatively comfortably and almost took the lead after a blunder from Loris Karius. The stopper completely got a powerful shot from Aleksandar Kolarov wrong and was only just able to divert the ball on to the crossbar.
Roma’s good start didn’t last long, and by the midway point of the first half, the Giallorossi were on the ropes. Liverpool took full advantage of their high line, putting together chance after chance.
Star goalkeeper Alisson Becker was able to keep his team alive for a stretch, but there was nothing he could do about Salah’s sensational opener. The Egyptian curled a stunning strike into the top corner:
Dejan Lovren hit the crossbar soon after, and the Reds continued to pile on the pressure, resulting in a second goal before half-time. Again it was Salah with the finish, putting the final touch on a brilliant counter attack.
The Reds would continue their momentum after the break, with Mane making the score 3-0 after missing a ton of chances earlier in the contest. Salah was clearly offside in the buildup to the goal, but the official missed it.
Shortly after, it was Firmino’s turn to get on the scoresheet, courtesy of another great assist from Salah. The Brazilian would double his tally after 68 minutes, thanks to yet another mistake at the back.
Roma qualified for the semi-finals with a miracle comeback against Barcelona, and Dzeko and Perotti gave the Italians a sliver of hope with two late goals.
The Bosnian’s effort seemed to be little more than a consolation goal, but when the visitors won a penalty just minutes later, they started to believe. Perotti promptly beat Karius, to the disbelief of the Anfield crowd.
The two teams will meet again next Wednesday, this time in Rome.
