The first leg of Liverpool Roma lived up to the billing. After a cagey first half hour where Roma had the better chances, Mo Salah took over. His goal in the 35th minute sparked a Liverpool blitzkrieg.
It's getting silly, folks.
Mo Salah AGAIN. His 43rd goal in all competitions this season. pic.twitter.com/ng4fkRt5Ol— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) April 24, 2018
The front three of Salah, Firmino, and Mane combined for five goals within 35 minutes of gametime.
Scored two. Set up two.
The Mo Salah Show. Best episode yet. pic.twitter.com/xs0D48T5us— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) April 24, 2018
When Salah was taken out of the game in the 74th minute, Liverpool was up 5-0 and had all but guaranteed their place in Kiev for the Champions League final.
Not so fast. Taking Salah out was a bad idea. Jurgen Klopp should not do that in the second leg. He really should never take him out of a game.
Roma rallied for two crucial away goals, and they now face an almost identical challenge to the one they overcame against Barcelona in the quarterfinal. A five goal deficit would have seemed insurmountable. Coming back from three goals down against Liverpool will require a massive effort, but there's no doubt they believe they can do it.
Baby steps, Roma. Baby steps. pic.twitter.com/pfkRM6TjkD
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) April 24, 2018
If Klopp just leaves Salah in the second leg for its duration, Liverpool will be fine. Roma defenders, particularly left wing back Alexsandar Kolarov, were preoccupied with Salah's runs out wide and constantly on their heels. Only after he exited the game did Roma begin to move forward and test Liverpool.
It might sound hyperbolic to suggest that Salah's exit made the difference, but it's the truth. He's simply playing at a level typically reserved for the Ballon d'Or winners of the past decade.
Messi, Ronaldo and Salah are the new Big 3 in international soccer.
— Rob Stone (@RobStoneONFOX) April 24, 2018
Salah's 43 goals on the season are four short of Ian Rush's club record 47. He also needs just one goal over the next four league games to break the Premier League single season scoring record.
Roma can only imagine what it would have been like to hold onto Salah. In football, or any business for that matter, a 50 million euro sale has never been such a bargain.
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