Sadio Mane scores hat trick as Liverpool routs Porto 5-0

Thankfully, what could only be described as a clinic in gegenpressing, ruthlessness, counterattacking football and supreme conditioning ensued on the way to a 5-0 stroll in the park for Jürgen Klopp’s visiting side.

Firmino’s 20th goal in all competitions put Liverpool ahead after just six minutes from Salah’s pass before Firmino returned the favour with a stunning flick, setting up Salah for his 29th of the season.

You have to remember Porto nearly took the lead if it was not for a Dejan Lovren touch, which saw the ball fly over the top of Liverpool’s goal rather than it hitting the back of the net. What followed was pure dominance.

Their lead was doubled moments later as James Milner’s shot struck the post and rebounded to Salah, who showed considerable composure to dink the ball over Sa and calmly find an unguarded net – his 30th goal of the season.

Salah’s reaction time, awareness and close control was something to behold.

The Senegalese star stepped up to overshadow his goal-happy team-mates Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah, who both added a goal apiece.

Mane had been the least prolific member of a fast and furious Liverpool attack that has continued to sparkle despite the departure of Phillippe Coutinho to Barcelona for £142 million ($200 million) in January.

But it didn’t take Liverpool long to grow into the game, as left-back Andrew Robertson fired over on his Champions League debut and Ivan Marcano’s fearless block prevented Firmino from heading in.

Not to be outdone, Mane popped up again in the 85th minute to complete his hat trick with a stunning long range drive.

With two assists to his name, Milner stands tall and proud on top of the list of highest assist providers in the competition.

“They were three class finishes from him”.

It was Mane’s first ever hat trick for Liverpool after breaking the deadlock against Porto in the 25th minute before scoring twice in the second half. All four centre-backs at the club have scored, and Trent Alexander-Arnold has dispatched 3 goals in his 19 appearances.

Georginio Wijnaldum’s hard work paid off for the first as Sadio Mane found himself in a great position.

The Senegal worldwide ended his five-game goal drought and the German tactician is relieved the 25-year-old has found his scoring boots again.

With two away goals scored, the visitors could have been forgiven for taking a more conservative approach but instead they went for more.