The press on Porto 1-4 LFC: 'Liverpool belong among the cream of Europe'

Goals from Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk completed a 6-1 aggregate victory and set up a last-four tie with Barcelona.

Here is what the media match of the match...

James Pearce, Liverpool Echo

Pity poor FC Porto who felt the force of Jürgen Klopp's ruthless, rampant Liverpool once again. The Portuguese champions were ripped to shreds on home turf by the Reds for the second successive season as they were routed 4-1 on the night and 6-1 on aggregate. Having survived an early bombardment at the Estadio do Dragao, Liverpool showcased the array of firepower which has made them feared across the continent. The breathtaking trio of Mane, Salah and substitute Firmino did the damage before van Dijk had the final word late on. Eder Militao's header was scant consolation for Porto who must be sick of the sight of the Reds. The prize is huge. A mouthwatering tie with Barcelona now stands between Liverpool and a final showdown with either Ajax or Tottenham in Madrid on June 1. A first trip to the Camp Nou since 2007 awaits and then the stage will be set for a spine-tingling European night under the lights at Anfield. These are the occasions Kopites live for. There will be a reunion with former Reds duo Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho and the prospect of trying to contain the greatest player of his generation in Lionel Messi. For Liverpool, there will be no sense of trepidation, no inferiority complex. Last season's run to Kiev was a whirlwind as Klopp's men surpassed all expectations. But this time it's different. This time they aren't surprising anyone. Liverpool know they belong among the cream of Europe. They have proved it time and time again.

David Lynch, Evening Standard

This is what it is to be a Reds supporter these days: unbelievable fun. And, courtesy of a 6-1 aggregate victory in this one-sided quarter-final, the party will roll on to Barcelona at the end of this month. Coming as it did after 24 minutes of utter domination from Porto, Mane’s opening goal at Estadio do Dragao could not have been better timed. But the Senegalese’s strike did more than just take the pressure off Liverpool and effectively end the tie as a contest; it also saw him join elite company. Having scored in every Champions League round since the start of last season’s competition, Mane has now clocked up 14 goals for the Reds in Europe. That puts him level with Ian Rush in second place on the club’s all-time list in this tournament, with only Steven Gerrard (21) having netted more. Having provided a fantastic assist for Salah’s goal with his last touch, Trent Alexander-Arnold was given a well-earned rest in the 66th minute. And the sight of Joe Gomez replacing him was certainly a welcome one for Liverpool supporters. The Reds No.12 was making his first appearance since sustaining a broken leg in Burnley back in December, an injury that came after he had deservedly cemented his place as Virgil van Dijk’s main partner at centre-back. Gomez may struggle to earn that status again between now and the end of the season given how little time is left, but he can still play a big part. Klopp is targeting victory on two fronts in May, and he will need all hands on deck if that dream is to become a reality.

Neil Jones, Goal.com

Bring on Barcelona! What a tie, and what an incentive. In a week where Ajax and Tottenham provided the fairy tales, Jürgen Klopp’s side ensured there was to be no such shock in Portugal. The Premier League leaders were far from pretty at times, but they got the job done. Mane’s goal, 26 minutes in, settled Liverpool down after a nervy start. They were grateful to Porto’s wayward finishing and to the Video Assistant Referee, who after a lengthy check confirmed Mane had been onside when tucking Salah’s cross-shot past Iker Casillas at the far post. It was the Senegal star’s 22nd goal of the season, and 14th European Cup strike for Liverpool, equalling Ian Rush’s tally. Only Gerrard has more. And like Rush or Gerrard, he is developing a real knack for scoring important ones too. This was the eighth time he has broken the deadlock in his last 15 games. When Liverpool have needed him, he has repeatedly stepped up to the plate – even if he did miss an absolute sitter after the break. Huge credit must go to Klopp, who has not lost a two-legged European tie since 2014 and who is now preparing for his third semi-final in three years as Liverpool manager. He is yet to grab that elusive first trophy at Anfield, but his team will take some stopping. The Camp Nou, one of the world’s great arenas, should hold no fears for them. Liverpool’s European away form has been a source of concern over the past 12 months, but they have now won twice at the Etihad, the Allianz and the Dragao (twice). They are unbeaten in 17 games in all competitions, winning the last eight, and will surely have seen the chinks in Barcelona’s armoury across the Catalans’ tie with Manchester United. Defensively, the La Liga champions should offer encouragement to Mane, Salah and Co.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.