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Liverpool became the first English team to reach the quarterfinals stage of the UEFA Champions League 2017/18 after a goalless second leg draw with Porto at Anfield. The first leg 5-0 demolition of Porto was enough to advance them into the last eight, and they have currently been joined by two-time defending champions Real Madrid.
With an upcoming visit to Old Trafford this weekend for a match against Manchester United, which could have major implications on who finishes second in the Premier League this season, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp rang in quite a few changes - especially benching the man in form, Mo Salah. FC Porto were happy to reciprocate as well, as they made 10 changes to the team that played in the first leg.
Salah would eventually come on in the 74th minute but he was unable to continue the goalscoring streak as the last 15 odd minutes weren't enough for him to give Liverpool a victory in the second leg as well.
While this match wasn't entertaining and didn't really capture how a Champions League knockout match feels like, there was a landmark event as Liverpool qualified for the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time in 9 years. The 5-time winners had last advanced to the quarterfinals in the 2008/09 season after defeating Los Blancos 5-0 over aggregate, but were then knocked out after domestic rivals Chelsea defeated them 7-5 over the two legs.
This match could also mark the last time we have seen Iker Casillas in a Champions League game. There are rumours that he could be released by Porto at the end of the season, and at 37 years of age, it could be difficult for him to find a starting berth at a club challenging in the European competitions.
Twitter reacted to Liverpool's progression and here are some of the best tweets:
