Liverpool 2-0 RB Leipzig: Reds ease into quarterfinals as Klopp’s tactical decisions pay-off

Liverpool 2-0 RB Leipzig (4-0 on aggregate): Reds ease into quarterfinals as Klopp's tactical decisions pay-off

Mane-Salah-Jota-Liverpool

Liverpool booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a second-leg win over RB Leipzig earlier tonight.

The Reds needed a result like this after their recent run of form and tonight’s win will certainly give them some much-needed relief and confidence

Jurgen Klopp made several changes to his side and decided to bring in the likes of Thiago and Kabak for tonight’s game.

Furthermore, the Liverpool manager also decided to bring Fabinho back to his best position in the defensive midfield and it worked wonders for the Reds.

The Brazilian helped Liverpool dominate proceedings from the start at the Reds could have easily scored a couple of goals in the first half.

The likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane had glorious opportunities to put their side ahead but neither player managed to find the net.

The Liverpool frontline looked fitter and sharper in the absence of Roberto Firmino and with the return of Diogo Jota.

Fabinho’s return to the midfield also allowed the likes of Thiago to play with more freedom and the Spaniard was outstanding for Liverpool as he created quite a few opportunities for his teammates.

Liverpool eventually scored in the second half of the game after a lovely counterattack where Diogo Jota set up Mohamed Salah for his 25th goal of the season in all competitions.

The Reds wrapped up the scoring a few minutes later when substitute Divock Origi picked out Sadio Mane with a sensational cross and the Senegalese forward managed to find the net from close range.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side were comfortably outplayed tonight and the German outfit can have no complaints regarding the result.

Thiago's game by numbers vs. RB Leipzig: 
100% shot accuracy 
100% long ball accuracy 
55 touches 
38 passes 
8 ball recoveries 
8 passes into the final 
7 duels won 
6 tackles made 
2 clearances 
1 Big Chance created 
0 x dribbled past And some unorthodox passes. #UCL
Fabinho's game by numbers vs. RB Leipzig: 
54 touches 
35 passes 
12 ball recoveries 
4 duels won 
4 interceptions 
3 tackles made 
2 clearances Proved he's one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. #UCL

It was my hope before the season [Fabinho playing in midfield] and during the season it didn’t happen, so we have to see what solutions we can find for the next games – for Wolves first and foremost. Of course, No.6 is his position, one of the best in the world in that position, it’s clear. It was not only defending-wise really good from him, he played some good stuff as well. [He is] important for us. 

JURGEN KLOPP ON Fabinho

What a boy he is, what a player he is, what a night it is for him. That’s absolutely great. The concentration level he shows now nearly week in, week out since he’s playing for us is absolutely incredible. He’s doing exactly the right things in the right moment. In the air he’s a monster.

Jurgen Klopp on Phillips