Liverpool 5-2 Roma: Match report, reaction and key statistics

Yet again, the Giallorossi need to win by three goals at the Stadio Olimpico in order to progress, despite late strikes from Edin Dzeko and substitute Diego Perotti.

Jurgen Klopp's side took a 5-0 lead into the latter stages of the match, but the Giallorossi dug deep to grab something from the first leg - and give them a glimmer of hope heading back to the Olimpico.

Team selection

Coach Eusebio Di Francesco opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation at Anfield, with Cengiz Under getting the nod in attack ahead of Cengiz Under.

Daniele De Rossi captained the side, with Radja Nainggolan taking up the other attacking role in support of Edin Dzeko.

Key moments

FIRST HALF

3' - Early shot for Strootman is saved and held by Karius. Salah goes up the other end and fires straight at Alisson from a tough angle.

6' - Good opening inside the box for Firmino - his shot from a very acute angle flashes across goal and runs out.

17' - A break in play as Oxlade-Chamberlain receives treatment after suffering an injury while tackling Kolarov. The midfielder needs to go off - Wijnaldum will replace him.

19' - BAR! KOLAROV! Roma's corner is half-cleared to the full-back, who hits a rasping shot that Karius just tips onto the upright and away!

29' - Two chances for Liverpool - Mane gets in behind the defence but fires over as Alisson scrambles to narrow the angle. Soon after, Firmino plays his teammate again: this time the shot is high and wide.

30' - Save from Alisson! The defensive block falls nicely for Salah, but the Brazilian dives to his right and makes a good stop!

36' - Goal. Liverpool take the lead. Salah curls home from just inside the box. 1-0.

38' - Lovren's header hits the top of the crossbar on the way over. The home side applying the pressure.

40' - Wijnaldum forces a smart low stop from Alisson, after being played in by Robertson from deep.

45' - Goal. Liverpool get another just before the break. Salah again, this time chipping Alisson after Firmino steers the ball into his path. 2-0.

See more images in our dedicated match gallery.

SECOND HALF

56' - Goal. Liverpool score. Mane taps in from close range.

59' - Schick mishits his shot from inside the box, after good work from Kolarov to create the opening.

61' - Goal. Firmino taps in at the far post.

69' - Goal. Firmino heads in from a corner.

81' - Goal. Roma get one back. Nainggolan plays in Dzeko who takes a touch and beats Karius from close range.

85' - Penalty for Roma - handball is given against Milner...

85' - GOAL. Perotti converts expertly from the spot.

Key match statistics

See more game statistics in our dedicated match centre.

Roma reaction

"We had good balance in the first 20 minutes, but obviously playing systems don’t count for much when you lose every individual battle and 50-50 and you can’t manage to make simple five-yard passes – nothing counts for anything in that case."When we brought on fresher players with clearer heads, the team had the strength it needed to react. I’m glad that we responded because it gives us something to play for in the return leg. We have to believe we can do it and show the same attitude we showed in the latter part of tonight’s game."

- Eusebio Di Francesco

What's next?

The second leg takes place at the Stadio Olimpico next Wednesday, May 2.

In the meantime, the Giallorossi are in Serie A action this weekend - as they host Chievo Verona at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

LIVERPOOL 5-2 ROMA

Goalscorers: Salah (36', 45'), Mane (56'), Firmino (61', 68'); Dzeko (81'), Perotti (p. 85')

Liverpool: Karius, Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Henderson, Milner, Salah, Firmino, Mane

Roma: Alisson, Manolas, Fazio, J. Jesus; Florenzi, Strootman, De Rossi, Kolarov; Nainggolan, Dzeko, Cengiz.