After putting Liverpool 1-0 up, Sadio Mane’s first reaction to his goal was that it was offside. However, after consulting VAR, the goal stood. Liverpool eventually won the match 4-1 with Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk scoring their other goals. Porto had a consolation goal through Real Madrid-bound Eder Militao in the 69th minute.
In the end, Liverpool won 6-1 on aggregate to qualify for the Champions League where they will take on favorites Barcelona.
Speaking on his goal, Sadio Mane told BT Sport, “I was thinking it was offside, to be honest. I told the boys to keep going and they said, ‘No, wait.’ I was surprised. It was an important goal but the more important thing was to qualify for the semis and we did it – it’s great.
The beginning was tough. I think the team spirit was great; we never gave up, we tried to push hard as a team. We created many chances and scored many goals, so I think we deserved the win.”
Mane’s goal now takes his season’s tally to 22 goals which is just one behind his personal best of 23 goals which he scored for Red Bull Salzburg in the 2013-14 season. Mane will hope to continue his good form for Liverpool on Sunday when they play Cardiff City.