Champions League as it happened: Roma completes stunning comeback against Barcelona; Liverpool rolls over Manchester City
Two of the UEFA Champions League semifinalists were confirmed Tuesday, with Roma eliminating Barcelona and Liverpool knocking out English rival Manchester City.
In Rome, the hosts had to overcome a 4-1 deficit from the first leg and did just that, winning 3-0 to go through on away goals. Edin Dzeko scored just minutes into the match, Daniele De Rossi converted a penalty early in the second half and Kostas Manolas scored his side’s third with less than 10 minutes left.
In Manchester, things looked great for City out of the gate, with Gabriel Jesus scoring in the second minute. The hosts squandered a number of good chances, and Liverpool would go on to score twice in the second half to put the tie out of reach, a 5-1 final on aggregate.
Roma 3, Barcelona 0 (4-4 on aggregate, Roma through on away goals)
A shocking turnaround from the 4-1 rout in the first leg. Barcelona is out in the quarterfinals for the second year in a row.
FULL TIME IN MANCHESTER – Liverpool 2, Manchester City 1 (5-1 on aggregate)
City gave it a good run but Salah’s goal effectively put the clash to bed. Liverpool presses onwards and will be full on confidence and the competition is wide open now, especially with Barcelona’s shock exit.
Roma tries to see it out – 92′
Four minutes of extra time awarded in Rome.
ROMA PULLS AHEAD ON AWAY GOALS! 82′
Kostas Manolas scores and the Italians have made it 4-4 on aggregate, with the crucial away goal in hand. Roma is through to the semifinals and Barcelona is out as it stands now.
That one was almost inevitable, with City dispirited after the first Liverpool goal and still pushing forwards in vain. It has turned into a big night for Liverpool, whose European campaign marches onwards.
Liverpool’s path looking clear – 71′
The last time Liverpool reached the semifinals was 10 years ago, after beating Arsenal in the last eight. Their run that year ended with an extra-time defeat to eventual runner-up Chelsea in the semis.
City comeback now unlikely – 66′
Salah’s goal totally took the air out of the stadium and out of this clash. Safe to assume we are not going to get an incredible fightback here, not with City needing four goals to progress to the last four now.
Another goal for Roma! – 58′
Daniele de Rossi converts a penalty for the hosts, and Barcelona’s aggregate lead is down to 4-3. Remember that Roma has an away goal from the 4-1 first leg.
GOAL! Mohamed Salah strikes for Liverpool – 55′
Liverpool leads 4-1 on aggregate
Mo Salah’s magical season continues with the goal that should put Liverpool into the semifinals. Mane’s run through the defense saw the ball fall to Salah and the Egyptian maestro kept his cool and chipped it into the net. Game-changing moment, from a game-changing player.
Plenty of half-time drama, City boss Pep Guardiola being banished from the sidelines for arguing too hard with the officials. Regardless, City looking to start the second half with just as much intensity as they ended the first
Excellent first half of action sets up an equally ferocious second half. City are not giving this up without a fight and the home crowd still believe the comeback is on. Liverpool will be grateful to have only conceded once, City will be full of confidence that they can break through again after the break.
Manchester City on the rampage again and get the ball in the back of the net but the effort is waved offside, much to the frustration of Sane. Liverpool back in survival mode as City are showing the kind of attacking force that has been the backbone of their season.
Source:-https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/europe/2018/04/10/champions-league-quarterfinals-liverpool-manchester-city-barcelona-roma/501711002/
