Liverpool to edge Porto in Champions League quarterfinal second leg

The Reds defeated Porto 2-0 in their first leg match at Anfield with goals from Naby Keita and Roberto Firmino. Despite Liverpool going into the locker room with a two-goal advantage, they failed to add to it.

Porto didn’t go quietly at Anfield as the Portuguese giants had chances to get back into the game.

Now, Liverpool play Porto with an away goal potentially sealing their progression to the semifinal to play either Barcelona or Manchester United. Porto will put up a fight, however, as the tie is not done yet.

Jurgen Klopp will know his side has the potential to lose away from home. Liverpool were winless in the Champions League group stage. Last season, Liverpool went away to Roma in the semifinals of the Champions League and just held on to win the tie, 7-6.

Porto have experience coming for behind in the Champions League this season. They lost 2-1 to Roma in the first leg of the last 16, but turned the tie around in the second leg with a 3-1 win after extra-time.

However, Porto have one thing against them going into Wednesday night’s fixture and that is their lack of an away goal at Anfield. An away goal could have made a major difference for them. As it stands, Liverpool need anPorto will welcome back midfielder Hector Herrera and centre-back Pepe to the team. Their absences left two crucial players off the pitch for the first leg. They should make a difference in the heart of the Porto team.

Kloppcould be without captain Jordan Henderson after he left Sunday’s win overChelsea in the second half. The captain has been crucial to Liverpool’s season due to his leadership. The good news is Liverpool have vice-captain James Milner ready to step in if Henderson cannot go.

According to Klopp after the Chelsea game, Henderson was fine following the match, so he will most likely make the bench at the very least.

Both Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joe Gomez are in full training. Gomez made the bench for the first leg and Klopp could ease him into the side on Wednesday night in a substitute role.
The two clubs met at the Estadio do Dragao last season in the Champions League last 16. The Reds put five goals into the Porto net. That large scoreline won’t be equalled as Liverpool simply need one away goal to seal progression