Most Liverpool fans were either bracing themselves or saying "whatever it's just a friendly" over and over when the Reds took on Barcelona at Wembley on Saturday. When the 90 minutes were up, though, fans were left with a 4-0 scoreline in favor of the scousers and the kind of performance that blows season expectations way out of proportion.
So let's do that.
We'll start with Sadio Mane, who for my money was the best player on a field that had Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi on it. Mane scored Liverpool's first goal, in the 15th minute.
Liverpool's Sadio Mané's Goal and "Calma Calma" Celebration against Barcelona pic.twitter.com/c7EPUgODVW
— RMadridScored (@RMadridScored) August 6, 2016
He also set up the second, which was scored by either Jordan Henderson or Javier Mascherano, depending on your perspective.
Later in the game, Mane nearly dribbled Barca's entire defense and scored, but he put his shot wide.
Now let's talk about young Divock Origi, who had a great spring for Liverpool and has continued his run of good form this pre-season. He just outran Barcelona's defense here.
3 vezes @LFC! @DivockOrigi ampliou para os Reds contra o Barcelona! Confere aí como foi o gol! #DueloDeGiganteshttps://t.co/1IEuB5q3Ou
— Esporte Interativo (@Esp_Interativo) August 6, 2016
(special thanks to Kevin Stewart for beating one of the most savvy defensive midfielders in the world at his own game)
And now on to Marko Grujic.
Earlier this season, we theorized that Marko Grujic is the light and the salvation. We stand by that claim, because look at this goddamn header.
4-0! pic.twitter.com/mKwApiPiPH
— Liverpool Gifs (@LiverpoolGifs) August 6, 2016
A person did that. Really.
Based on this result, this season we can expect Liverpool to win, at minimum, the World Cup. But we must make sure to not get carried away. It's a long season.
Contact The18 Staff Writer Sam Klomhaus at Klomhaus@The18.com or follow him on Twitter @SamKlomhaus
