On Tuesday 24th April, Liverpool and Roma had what we thought would be an intense matchup in the semi-final of the Champions League. As it turned out, Liverpool dominated from start to finish winning an astonishing 5-2 at Anfield.
Egyptian Mohamed Salah (who ironically used to play for Roma) scored 2 world class finishes and set up beautiful goals for Sadio Mane and Roberto Firminio. Salah has had an altogether exceptional season and was deservedly named Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year. His haul of 43 goals is the most by any player in all competitions in Europe’s top five leagues this season. He scored 10 goals in the Champions League alone – the most, along with Roberto Firmino, by a Liverpool player in a single season in European competition.
But in spite of their opponents’ dazzling performance that night, Roma still managed to sneek in 2 away goals which means that the Italian club are still very much ‘in it’ and could come out on top in the second leg which will take place on Wednesday 2nd May. Edin Džeko tucked away a penalty and Diego Perotti scored with class late in the game.
To conclude, this draw may have already been finished in the first leg, though Roma could easily get a place in the final of the Champions League.
-By Thomas