The 2018 Champions League semi-final between Liverpool and Roma was a thrilling encounter filled with drama, suspense, and plenty of goals. While the Reds ultimately triumphed over two legs, the tie is best remembered for the incredible attacking displays from both sides. A look at the key player stats for Liverpool vs Roma reveals just how captivating this clash of European titans truly was.
Goals Galore: A Statistical Breakdown
The most striking element of Liverpool vs Roma was undoubtedly the sheer number of goals. Across both legs, a total of 13 goals were scored, highlighting the attacking prowess of both teams.
- Liverpool: The Reds, spearheaded by the prolific Mohamed Salah, found the back of the net seven times over the two legs. Salah himself bagged a brace in the first leg at Anfield.
- Roma: The Italians displayed their own attacking flair, scoring six goals across both games. Edin Dzeko was instrumental for Roma, netting vital goals in both legs.
Liverpool and Roma players celebrating a goal
Assist Kings: The Creative Spark
While goals steal the headlines, assists are equally crucial in unlocking defenses. Liverpool vs Roma witnessed some exceptional creative displays.
- Liverpool: The midfield trio of James Milner, Jordan Henderson, and Georginio Wijnaldum pulled the strings effectively for Liverpool, providing a combined total of 5 assists over the two legs.
- Roma: Radja Nainggolan was the creative fulcrum for Roma, delivering two assists during the tie. His ability to pick out a pass and orchestrate attacks was evident throughout.
Midfield Battleground: Possession and Passing
Control of the midfield is often key in high-stakes matches, and the Liverpool vs Roma clash was no exception. Both teams boasted technically gifted and tenacious midfielders, leading to an intriguing battle for possession.
- Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp’s men dominated possession in both legs, averaging 58% across the tie. Their ability to recycle possession and dictate the tempo of the game was crucial.
- Roma: Despite seeing less of the ball, Roma showcased their efficiency on the counter-attack. Their direct style of play, particularly in the second leg at the Stadio Olimpico, caused Liverpool a number of problems.
Defensive Resilience: A Tale of Two Legs
While the tie was defined by attacking brilliance, the defensive displays should not be overlooked. Both teams showcased periods of defensive solidity, albeit with varying degrees of success.
- Liverpool: The first leg at Anfield saw Liverpool’s defense breached just twice. Virgil van Dijk’s commanding presence and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defensive contributions were noteworthy.
- Roma: Despite conceding five goals in the first leg, Roma showed resilience at the back in the second leg, limiting Liverpool to just two goals at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Power of the Anfield Crowd
While individual player stats provide valuable insights, the influence of the Anfield atmosphere on the tie cannot be understated. The Liverpool faithful played a crucial role in roaring their team to victory, especially in the first leg.
- The Anfield Roar: The deafening noise generated by the home crowd undoubtedly spurred Liverpool on, creating an intimidating atmosphere for the Roma players.
- A Fortress Breached: Despite succumbing to a 5-2 defeat in the first leg, Roma’s spirited performance in the second leg, winning 4-2, highlighted their resilience even in a hostile environment.
Conclusion: A Match for the Ages
The Liverpool vs Roma Champions League tie was a captivating spectacle that illustrated the beauty and unpredictability of football. While Liverpool ultimately progressed to the final, Roma’s valiant effort ensured the tie would be etched in the memories of fans for years to come. The player stats only begin to tell the story of this incredible encounter, a testament to the enduring allure of the beautiful game.