Naby Keita, Roberto Firmino give Liverpool win over Porto

Liverpool took control of their Champions League quarter-final tie with Porto as goals from Naby Keita and Roberto Firmino secured a 2-0 first-leg win at Anfield on Tuesday.

The Reds raced into the lead after just five minutes when the shot of Keita - who had scored his first goal for the club in Friday night's victory over Southampton - took a wicked deflection off Oliver Torres and nestled in the corner of the net, past Iker Casillas.

Mohamed Salah spurned a wonderful opportunity to double the advantage but then Firmino, creator of Liverpool's first, got on the score-sheet with a simple tap-in from Trent Alexander-Arnold's lovely cross.

As potent as Liverpool were in front of goal, they looked vulnerable to Porto's counter-attack and were fortunate Moussa Marega had an off day in front of goal, the Malian fluffing two clear chances in an action-packed first-half.

The tempo dropped in the second half with Liverpool seemingly content to take a two-goal advantage to the Estadio do Dragao next week, while Porto will be happy to count themselves still in with a chance of qualifying.

The only real talking point after the restart was the decision not to give Salah a straight red card for a high challenge on Otavio. Liverpool’s attentions will swiftly turn to Sunday’s match at home to Chelsea as they continue their fight for the Premier League title.

You would think so, given how dogged the Reds' defence has been this season. Yes, they rode their luck at times here, but they were missing Andy Robertson (suspended) and Joel Matip (rested) who will return in the second-leg. If Liverpool net in Portugal, and it would be a surprise if they didn't, Porto will need to score at least four times to advance. It was obvious in their second-half approach that Jurgen Klopp's side were content with just the two-goal lead and a clean-sheet. It should prove enough for Liverpool to claim their place in the last four in what is turning out to be a fascinating season for the club.

Kicked on from his performance as substitute at Southampton, where he was brilliant, with another excellent display. His forward passing was a joy to behold, and he didn't neglect his defensive duties, constantly tracking back in another energetic and thrilling showing.

5' - GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Porto: Keita scores and Liverpool are ahead already! It's his second goal in four days following his header at Southampton. Milner plays it wide to Mane, who in turn finds Firmino. The Brazilian lays it off to Keita and his effort takes a wicked deflection off Torres and nestles in the net.

22' - SALAH MISS! The Egyptian is released one-on-one with the goalkeeper after being slipped through by Firmino. He could go down after having his legs swiped by Felipe, but he stays on his feet. He tries to lift it over the goalkeeper but can't quite find the bottom corner he is searching for.

26' - GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Porto: Firmino scores, is that the tie over already? It's a lovely, lovely team goal. Henderson cuts the defence open with a glorious pass to Alexander-Arnold and he slides it across the face of goal for the Brazilian to tap into an empty net.

30' - PORTO CHANCES! Marega is found in space on the left side of the penalty area but Alisson is off his line quickly to make the block with his foot. Porto play it back across the face of goal, Alisson palms it clear and it appears to hit the arm of Alexander-Arnold. The referee checks with VAR ... and no penalty is given.

32'- ANOTHER BIG PORTO CHANCE! It comes from a corner that Liverpool can't clear. It's pinged back into the penalty area, Marega is onside and has a clear sight at goal but hits a tame shot at Alisson.

84' - NO RED CARD! Immediately down at the other end, Salah catches Otavio with a high boot. Again, it goes to VAR and again they feel it isn't a foul... but is Salah fortunate it wasn't a straight red?