World of Sport Reporter: @worldofsport
Liverpool put on yet another attacking masterclass at Anfield last night as they swept Spartak Moscow away 7-0 and in doing so they ensured top spot in Group E.
Liverpool were simply irresistible. Men against boys. On a night of devastating attacking play, Philippe Coutinho scored a hat-trick, Saido Mane scored twice, while Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah both found the back of the net, too.
The win ensured Jurgen Klopp's men reached the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time since 2009, and the Reds can now look forward to the draw, which takes place on Monday.
Coutniho scored a hatrick in the 7-0 romp
Since losing to Tottenham in October, Liverpool have now scored 32 goals in a nine-match unbeaten run, and they will be hoping to extend that to 10 games when they entertain Sam Allardyce and bitter rivals Everton this weekend.
Philippe Coutinho was handed the captaincy in the absence of Jordan Henderson, and he relished in the role. A hatrick and some wonderful moments with the ball ignighted the Kop, but would also have enkindled Barcelona’s quest for the Brazilian.
His first goal – a penalty - came after only 4 minutes and that set the tone of the night. Mohammed Salah was fouled in the box, and up stepped the Brazilia to convert the penalty.
Firminio celebrates his goal with Mane
Just minutes later he scored again. A flowing attack from Liverpool that included Mane, Salah and Firminio was finished off by the silky forward. Liverpool were just getting going.
Spartak did try to play, but Liverpool just exposed the gaps and mishaps in the Moscow defence. They were punished again. This time by Firmino, who slammed home from close range effort after some suspect defending. The game was now out of sight for the Russians, but for Liverpool it was a case of how many could they get.
After the break, Mane extended Liverpool’s lead with a superb acrobatic volley to make to 5-0, and not long after Coutinho made it 5-0 and secured his hat-trick with a deflected shot. It seemed like everything Liverpool did turned to gold.
Salah rounds a perfect night for Liverpool off
Substitute Daniel Sturridge should have scored but the England forward missed from close range before Mane scored his second and Liverpool’s sixth. Then with just a few minutes remaining Salah took the Reds' goal tally for this Champions League campaign to 23 with a clever finish.
Liverpool were very impressive. They have been since their loss to Tettenham earlier in the season. Until then their defence were leaky, and although it’s not as solid as they might like, their attack is simply irresistible, and no team will fancy facing them in the next round.
Finishing as Group E winners means the Reds won’t draw the likes of PSG, Barcelona and Roma, but Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Juventus could be potential last-16 opponents. Whoever they get, it will be mouth-watering, as the Champions League gets down to the serious business. Bring it on.
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What do you buy the golfer who has everything? A short game!
Liverpool has world class attack, but only good defence...
Liverpool are certainly scary going forward, but only when the other team attacks. If the opposition parks the bus (Athletico or Juve) they may find it difficult. I guess they're hoping for Real, a bit shaky this year.
Good point. They might be better getting Real.There hasn't been a better time to play them.
Wish I had tuned into that game would've been a stormer! I wouldn't have had a clue if it wasn't for this article, great reporting again from the premier sports blog on Steemit! Always looking forward to your next article.