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The 2017-18 Champions League season is down to its last four teams, with holders Real Madrid looking to defend their trophy against Liverpool, Bayern Munich and AS Roma.
Italian side Roma pulled off one of the biggest Champions League knockout shocks in history as they overturned a 4-1 first-leg deficit against Barcelona to win 3-0 in Rome and progress to the semi-finals on away goals.
However, Giallorossi will have to pull off the same result again as Liverpool head to Rome with a three-goal advantage following a 5-2 victory at Anfield.
Zinedine Zidane's holders - who have won the competition for the last two years running - were given an almighty scare by Juventus before a last-minute penalty saw Real beat the Bianconeri 4-3 on aggregate to reach the last four, while Bayern Munich did enough against Sevilla to set up a tantalising final four.
When and where is the final?
The 2017-18 Champions League final will take place on 26 May, 2018.
The match will be played at the NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7:45pm UK time.
The stadium previously hosted the Euro 2012 final and holds a maximum capacity of 63,000 - the second largest in eastern Europe.
The largest is Moscow's Luzhnikji Stadium (81,000), which will host this summer's World Cup final.
Tickets
In Pictures | Champions League quarter-finals second leg | 2017-18 71 show all In Pictures | Champions League quarter-finals second leg | 2017-18 1/71 AFP/Getty Images 2/71 AFP/Getty Images 3/71 REUTERS 4/71 AFP/Getty Images 5/71 REUTERS 6/71 AFP/Getty Images 7/71 AFP/Getty Images 8/71 REUTERS 9/71 REUTERS 10/71 Bongarts/Getty Images 11/71 Bongarts/Getty Images 12/71 REUTERS 13/71 REUTERS 14/71 REUTERS 15/71 REUTERS 16/71 EPA 17/71 AFP/Getty Images 18/71 REUTERS 19/71 REUTERS 20/71 REUTERS 21/71 AP 22/71 REUTERS 23/71 AFP/Getty Images 24/71 REUTERS 25/71 REUTERS 26/71 REUTERS 27/71 AP 28/71 REUTERS 29/71 REUTERS 30/71 AFP/Getty Images 31/71 REUTERS 32/71 REUTERS 33/71 Getty Images 34/71 UEFA via Getty Images 35/71 UEFA via Getty Images 36/71 Bongarts/Getty Images 37/71 Bongarts/Getty Images 38/71 UEFA via Getty Images 39/71 Bongarts/Getty Images 40/71 AFP/Getty Images 41/71 REUTERS 42/71 REUTERS 43/71 REUTERS 44/71 REUTERS 45/71 EPA 46/71 REUTERS 47/71 AP 48/71 AP 49/71 REUTERS 50/71 REUTERS 51/71 PA 52/71 AP 53/71 PA 54/71 REUTERS 55/71 AFP/Getty Images 56/71 REUTERS 57/71 PA 58/71 AFP/Getty Images 59/71 REUTERS 60/71 Getty Images, 61/71 Action Images via Reuters 62/71 PA 63/71 PA 64/71 REUTERS 65/71 AP 66/71 REUTERS 67/71 REUTERS 68/71 PA 69/71 Action Images via Reuters 70/71 Action Images via Reuters 71/71 UEFA via Getty Images
All tickets have been allocated for the final, although corporate hospitality tickets remain on sale on Uefa's website with prices starting from €3,200 per person.
Champions League 2017-18 fixture dates
In Pictures | Champions League quarter-finals first leg | 2017-18 64 show all In Pictures | Champions League quarter-finals first leg | 2017-18 1/64 Liverpool 3-0 Man City PA 2/64 Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid AFP/Getty Images 3/64 Liverpool 3-0 Man City EPA 4/64 Barcelona 4-1 Roma AFP/Getty Images 5/64 Barcelona 4-1 Roma Getty Images 6/64 Barcelona 4-1 Roma AFP/Getty Images 7/64 Liverpool 3-0 Man City PA 8/64 Barcelona 4-1 Roma AFP/Getty Images 9/64 Barcelona 4-1 Roma AFP/Getty Images 10/64 Liverpool 3-0 Man City EPA 11/64 Barcelona 4-1 Roma AFP/Getty Images 12/64 Liverpool 3-0 Man City EPA 13/64 Barcelona 4-1 Roma EPA 14/64 Liverpool 3-0 Man City EPA 15/64 Liverpool 3-0 Man City 16/64 Liverpool 3-0 Man City EPA 17/64 Liverpool 3-0 Man City 18/64 Liverpool 3-0 Man City EPA 19/64 Liverpool 3-0 Man City EPA 20/64 Liverpool 3-0 Man City AFP/Getty Images 21/64 Barcelona 4-1 Roma AFP/Getty Images 22/64 Liverpool 3-0 Man City AFP/Getty Images 23/64 Liverpool 3-0 Man City AFP/Getty Images 24/64 Barcelona 4-1 Roma AFP/Getty Images 25/64 Barcelona 4-1 Roma AFP/Getty Images 26/64 Barcelona 4-1 Roma AFP/Getty Images 27/64 Liverpool 3-0 Man City PA 28/64 Liverpool 3-0 Man City REUTERS 29/64 Liverpool 3-0 Man City REUTERS 30/64 Liverpool 3-0 Man City AFP/Getty Images 31/64 Liverpool 3-0 Man City Action Images via Reuters 32/64 Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid Getty Images 33/64 Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid AFP/Getty Images 34/64 Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid AFP/Getty Images 35/64 Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid AFP/Getty Images 36/64 Sevilla 1-2 Bayern Getty Images 37/64 Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid Getty Images 38/64 Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid AFP/Getty Images 39/64 Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid AFP/Getty Images 40/64 Sevilla 1-2 Bayern AFP/Getty Images 41/64 Juventus 0-3 Real Juventus 0-3 Real MadridMadrid Getty Images 42/64 Sevilla 1-2 Bayern Bongarts/Getty Images 43/64 Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid AFP/Getty Images 44/64 Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid AFP/Getty Images 45/64 Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid AFP/Getty Images 46/64 Sevilla 1-2 Bayern Getty Images 47/64 Sevilla 1-2 Bayern Getty Images 48/64 Sevilla 1-2 Bayern Getty Images 49/64 Sevilla 1-2 Bayern Getty Images 50/64 Sevilla 1-2 Bayern AFP/Getty Images 51/64 Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid AFP/Getty Images 52/64 Sevilla 1-2 Bayern AFP/Getty Images 53/64 Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid AFP/Getty Images 54/64 Sevilla 1-2 Bayern Bongarts/Getty Images 55/64 Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid AFP/Getty Images 56/64 Sevilla 1-2 Bayern AFP/Getty Images 57/64 Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid AFP/Getty Images 58/64 Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid Getty Images 59/64 Sevilla 1-2 Bayern Getty Images 60/64 Sevilla 1-2 Bayern Bongarts/Getty Images 61/64 Sevilla 1-2 Bayern Getty Images 62/64 Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid Getty Images 63/64 Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid Getty Images 64/64 Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid Getty Images
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
Liverpool took a big step towards the Champions League final with a 5-2 win over AS Roma in their semi-final, first leg at Anfield. Two late Roma goals, however, will give the Italians, who came back from 4-1 down to beat Barcelona in the previous round, some hope of an upset in the return game next Wednesday. Two superbly taken goals from Mohamed Salah gave Juergen Klopp's side a 2-0 lead at halftime and Liverpool ripped Roma apart after the break. A Sadio Mane goal and then two Roberto Firmino goals put Liverpool 5-0 up and Klopp felt comfortable enough to take off Salah, who had been outstanding. Yet Edin Dzeko struck for the visitors in the 81st minute and four minutes later Diego Perotti converted a penalty to generate some tension for the return in Rome. Liverpool fans ATTACKED by Roma supporters with BELTS: ‘Horrible’ scenes outside Anfield Liverpool fans attacked: WATCH shocking violence outside Anfield with Roma fans
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
THAT’S ALL FOLKS 22:30: Thank you for joining me tonight everyone. I’ll be back again tomorrow night to bring you LIVE coverage of Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid. Should be a cracker! Night.. ‘WE LOST OUR HEADS’ 22:20: Roma coach Di Francesco, speaking to Mediaset: "We started well, but then we lost our heads a bit. That reaction late on was very welcome, though, and we've got to believe in the comeback."
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
BAD NEWS 22:17: It’s not good news for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The midfielder was stretchered off early in the first half. “Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is probably a really bad injury," Jurgen Klopp told BT Sport. "That is bad news for us. The squad doesn't get bigger at the moment so we need to be creative in the next few games." ‘WE MADE ONE MISTAKE’ 22:15: Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp: "Long term perfect performance for pretty much 80 minutes or so. We made defensively one mistake. Penalty is not a penalty but that is the situation and now it is 5-2. Of course we would have been more happy with 5-0 or 5-1 but 5-2 is a fantastic result. We go there and try again. "We had all these runs behind, it changed the game completely and they couldn't cope with that. We scored these goals and could have scored more. That is all positive, at this moment it doesn't feel all positive because they scored these two goals but tomorrow I will see the really good part of the game. "It is absolutely better than I thought before the game but at the moment of course a a little mistake."
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
JURGEN SPEAKS… 22:10: Lots of huffing and puffing from Jurgen Klopp during his post-match interview. The German is clearly delighted with the win, but like most Liverpool supporters leaving the stadium, he’s irritated with Roma’s late goals. Full quotes dropping any moment now folks. Standby… TWITTER ROUND-UP Brad: Can see us scoring away against Roma. But still... Why do we dampen these victories all the time? Klopp needs to improve this defence in the summer. Neil: Klopp must be such a brilliant manager. The last two games he’s taken off the Player of the Year and four goals conceded. That could cost them the Champions League final. Vespertillo: The last 10 minutes of that game is why Klopp will not win the Premier League. Can you see a Jose Mourinho team being 5-0 and letting in two needless goals like that?
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
‘GAVE THEM A FREE PASS’ 22:00: Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard was also astounded with the visitors' tactics. "Roma came here and almost gave them a free pass to the final," he said on BT Sport 2. "Their tactics were incredible, the way they set up. "Liverpool were brilliant in the way they ripped them apart, but it will be mixed emotions at the end. "I'm sure Jurgen Klopp will be really upset because they've given them a small glimpse. But this Liverpool team, and the way Roma played tonight, showed they can score goals next week as well." ‘UNPROFESSIONAL’ 21:57: Steven Gerrard was critical of Liverpool for not killing off the tie. “Of course, 100 per cent I would have taken 5-2 before the match,” Gerrard said. “But in the game, when you go 5-0 up, you have to kill the game. “It’s all about game management and being professional and keep your focus until the end. Liverpool came down in the gears towards the end and paid for it. They’ve given Roma a little glimmer of hope.”
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
‘YOU CAN’T DO THAT’ 21:54: Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson: "It felt as though we were in full control but we basically gave them two goals, you can't do that in the Champions League. At the same time we played well, we will go there with a three goal advantage. "Overall we have got to stay positive. We knew it would not be easy tonight, we know it will not be easy there. It will be a challenge but one we will look forward to and one we will hopefully finish them off." JORDAN HENDERSON 21:50: Quite a mixed and sporadic interview from Jordan Henderson, who appears delighted, disappointed and harshly treated all at the same time. Delighted with the performance for 70 minutes, disappointed at conceding the two late goals and harshly treated for the penalty against James Milner. TWITTER ROUND-UP Bradley: Getting sick of our defending near the end of matches, When we signed Van Dijk I knew this wasn't gonna be enough. We need another good defender. It's not good enough. Ricky: Liverpool are the only team who can score five and still manage to look nervy and panic at the back. Jonathan: That performance sums up how Liverpool have been in the league this season. Irresistible going forward but liable to capitulate at the back and desperately searching for keys to shut up shop.
EPA Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
SALAH PRAISE 21:40: Steven Gerrard was lost for words when asked to assess Mohamed Salah’s performance tonight. He are the words he managed to get out. “Wow,” he said at half time on BT Sport. “I’m running out of words really. “Two exquisite finishes. The first one, the accuracy in terms of knocking the stanchion off. And the second one, the double run at first to kid Juan Jesus the left centre-back. “And then to get in and sit the keeper down with the calmness. He can do things like that which is special.” LIVERPOOL 5-2 ROMA FT: Jurgen Klopp’s side had one foot firmly in Kiev for the Champions League final, but two late Roma goals give them a glimmer of hope in this tie. It’s still very much advantage Liverpool.
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
93: So Roma basically need to do what they did to Barcelona. Win 3-0. 92: I bet Jurgen Klopp didn’t think he would have to send Ragnar Klavan on at 5-0. The centre-back replaces Roberto Firmino for the final two minutes. 90: Nainggolan’s effort is deflected wide for a corner. We’ve entered four minutes of stoppage time as Roma pour forward. 88: Suddenly this has turned into a critical two minutes plus stoppage time for Liverpool. If they concede another then it really is game on. Roma fans have found their voices. 86: The Reds have fallen to pieces since Mohamed Salah left the field. The wheels are coming off as Roma go for a third. LIVERPOOL 5-2 ROMA - PEROTTI 84: Wait. They couldn’t, could they? Having been in complete control Liverpool have somehow engineered a way to concede twice in five minutes. Penalty awarded against James Milner for handball from Nainggolan’s powerful shot. Diego Perotti is the calmest man in Anfield as he places it into the top corner.
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
83: I’ve never seen a manager celebrate a goal that much at 5-1 down, but Roma boss Eusebio Di Francesco was delighted. He clearly believes that gives his side a fighting chance. LIVERPOOL 5-1 ROMA - DZEKO 81: Roma grab one back! There’s an audible “oooh” around the office as people start thinking that they could do to Liverpool what they did to Barcelona. Edin Dzeko chests down a diagonal pass that Dejan Lovren completely loses sight of before cooly slotting it past Loris Karius. Jurgen Klopp looks furious with that. He’s absolutely raging. 78: It’s weird to see the Roma players and their manager arguing on the sidelines. A number of players have rushed over to chat with him at various times throughout the match. It’s chaos for the visitors.
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
77: "Rome wasn't built in a day, but it's been dismantled in an hour!" says Robbie Fowler. “A local school team would have been better organised than this Roma team have been tonight,” adds Steve McManaman. “I’m hungry,” explains Jamie Anderson, writer of this blog. 75: Oh dear. It could get even worse for Roma. Kevin Strootman is down clutching his back but the visitors have already made all of their changes. He’s battling on bravely. 73: The ultimate luxury. Jurgen Klopp has brought Mohamed Salah off with 15 minutes remaining and sent on Danny Ings. Just the two goals and two assists for the Egyptian tonight… 72: Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah have combined for six Champions League goals this season; double the amount of any other duo.
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
70: “What Liverpool don’t want to do now is concede,” says the BT Sport commentator. I think they can probably afford one against this lot, mate! LIVERPOOL 5-0 ROMA - FIRMINO 68: It’s five. It’s actually five and probably the easiest of the lot. Roma have completely fallen apart. Roberto Firmino adds a fifth after strolling into the penalty area unmarked to guide home Mohamed Salah’s cross beyond Alisson. The 2018 UEFA Champions League Final will be held in Kiev. Get booking those tickets! 66: Double change for Roma. De Rossi and Jesus are replaced by Gonalons and Perotti. Bizarrely that’s an attacking change!
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
64: Nobody on the pitch deserved that goal more than Firmino. He’s been integral to everything Liverpool have done tonight. Could easily have had six assists by now. LIVERPOOL 4-0 ROMA - FIRMINO 62: Liverpool are in dreamland! They’ve scored four, yes four, against Roma in the semi-final of the Champions League. It's simply too easy for Liverpool. Mohamed Salah slides the ball across the box and Roberto Firmino is there to tap in. Can we sing the “Salah, Mane, Mane,” song yet? Goalkeeper Alisson just sits on the floor starring into the abyss. 61: Sadio Mane has scored in three consecutive home games for Liverpool for the first time ever.
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
60: Save! Robertson nearly nets his first goal in a Liverpool shirt. Firmino’s blocked effort rebounds to the marauding full-back, whose low blast is stopped by Alisson. 58: It’s been nothing short of disgraceful from Roma tonight. Where’s this resilient Italian defending gone?! They are wide open, disorganised and completely swamped. LIVERPOOL 3-0 ROMA - MANE 55: Is that game, set and match? Roma, with their ridiculously high line, push forward and are sliced wide open with two passes. Mohamed Salah races onto a 40-yard pass down the right flank before driving into the box. He cuts it back for Sadio Mane, whose first-time finish nestles into the bottom left-hand corner. 51: Liverpool can smell blood here. They know a four or five-nil victory is possible against a vulnerable Roma. Tie could be over tonight…
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
48: Surely not? Trent Alexander-Arnold has placed the ball down and wants a crack from 35-yards. He steps up… blocked. That would have been something special. It doesn’t really look like Roma have switched things around. I think Patrik Schick has joined Edin Dzeko up top. Attack the best form of defence? 45: Rio Ferdinand was tearing into Roma over the break. He thinks their manager Eusebio Di Francesco hasn’t watched Liverpool all season with the “suicidal high line” they’ve adopted. Patrik Schick on, Cengiz Under off. We’re back underway. TWITTER ROUND-UP Reece: Don't think I've ever loved a footballer as much as I love Mohamed Salah right now. The guy is a king. Not just an Egyptian one. But a King of Liverpool. Aye: Yes Mo Salah will take all the plaudits and rightly so, but WHAT A PLAYER BOBBY FIRMINO IS!! Laying things on plates...He should have FOUR assists by now! Amazing! Pepe: Salah!! I just hit my head on the ceiling and I’ve got 12ft ceilings! I’m only 5ft 9’. Salah, what a strike.
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
Analysis from our reporter Richard Tanner, at Anfield. HT: No surprise that it's two - or that Salah is the scorer who is tormenting his former club. Firmino, who is playing brilliantly himself, sent him through and Salah was too quick for his pursuers and kept his nerve as Alisson came out and dinked the ball over him and into the net. That's 11 in the competition this season - including one in the qualifying round against Hoffenheim. And Roma were claiming on the eve of the game that it would be foolish to concentrate all their focus on keeping the Egyptian magician quiet. Too late for a re-think now.
Salah! Again! Wow!
This time the coolest of dinks over the keeper! ������
Goal number 43 of the season ������ pic.twitter.com/pkQWlhS26l — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 24, 2018
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
LIVERPOOL 2-0 ROMA HT: Standing ovation for Liverpool, and a standing ovation for Mohamed Salah, who has put Liverpool in complete command in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. 46: Mohamed Salah has scored 10 goals in the Champions League this season, the most by a Liverpool player in a single season in European competition. LIVERPOOL 2-0 ROMA - SALAH 45: Stop it. Just stop it. Mohamed Salah is simply unstoppable. That is a utterly ridiculous finish from the coolest man on the pitch. Salah has Manolas on toast when racing onto Firmino’s pass before a stunning deft chip over the onrushing Alisson. It’s exactly what Sadio Mane failed to do 20 minutes ago.
OHHH MO SALAH! ������
What a goal! What a moment!
Liverpool and their Egyptian King go marching on!
������������������ pic.twitter.com/30UvuOdnTJ — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 24, 2018
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
Analysis from our reporter Richard Tanner, at Anfield. 42: Who else but Salah? And what a finish - a curling left foot effort that gave Alisson no chance. That's 42 in all competitions for the newly crowned Player of the Year and it came after Liverpool had worked up a right old head of steam. Mane will be hugely relieved. He had just wasted two great chances - both set up by Firmino - and then had a 'goal' disallowed for straying a yard offside. After a composed start, Roma look rattled. They left Lovren unmarked from Salah's corner and he smacked his header against the bar. When they work up this sort of tempo, Liverpool look unstoppable... 40: And again! Liverpool are absolutely bossing things with chance after chance. Henderson sends a beautiful ball over the top that Wijnaldum strikes low. Alisson makes his 17896th save of the night. 38: Woodwork! Dejan Lovren arrives late for a corner and thunders a header against the crossbar. Roma creaking. Another Liverpool goal and they could well collapse. 37: Mohamed Salah has scored in each of his last five Champions League starts for Liverpool; no player has scored in more successive games for the Reds (also, Steven Gerrard).
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
LIVERPOOL 1-0 ROMA - SALAH 36: The brighter the lights, the bigger the occasion, the better Mohamed Salah gets. The prolific Egyptian has added another stunner to his highlights reel with a superb solo goal to break the deadlock. He collects the ball on the right side of the penalty area, before cutting inside and bending in a fantastic pin-point effort beyond the outstretched Alisson. Remember the goal against Everton? It’s a carbon-copy. 34: Disallowed goal! Mane looks to achieved redemption when flying in to convert Robertson’s low cross. The linesman, equipped with a working flag, raises it pretty quickly. Spot on. 33: Sadio Mane looks to have lost all confidence. Instead of driving at Fazio, he tamely passes it straight to the defender. “Thanks very much,” he says before booting it into orbit. 32: Liverpool on the rampage! The influential Firmino plays a quick pass to Salah inside the penalty area, but Alisson is there to parry it around the post. Roma scramble it clear.
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
31: It should be 1-0. Sadio Mane has missed a sitter. Firmino sends him through one-on-one with Alisson but he’s thumped it miles over the bar. And again! This one is more difficult. Once again Firmino tees him up but he’s slipped and shanked it. Analysis from our reporter Richard Tanner, at Anfield. 29: That's a bad blow for Liverpool - and possibly England. Oxlade-Chamberlain twisted his right knee in a sliding challenge on Kolarov. After treatment he tried to put weight on the knee but collapsed in pain and has had to be stretchered off. The fear will be he has suffered ligament damage and could miss the rest of the season - while jeopardising his World Cup hopes. Wijnaldum has come on and taken the Ox's place on the right hand side of midfield. Liverpool are certainly finding well-organised Roma a harder nut to crack than City in the last round. Karius's heart was in his mouth when he flapped at Kolarov's long range effort and it hit the bar. Firmino went close early on with a shot across the face of the goal but other than that it's been a cagey, tight affair.
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
28: Juan Jesus, the man marking Mohamed Salah mainly, has just been booked for a late challenge on Sadio Mane. That’s roughly an hour to survive against the Egyptian on a booking. 27: The opening half-hour was so crucial against Manchester City in the quarter-finals, and it could be equally important tonight with Roma looking very comfortable. Liverpool aren’t playing with their usual zip. It’s not quite clicked yet. 24: The whole of Anfield gasped in unison there. Lovren takes a swipe at Under and completely misses the ball inside the penalty area. Fortunately for him, the Roma forward stayed on his feet. 21: Karius almost did a Mignolet! Kolarov smashes a signature drive towards goal and the German stopper completely loses the flight of the ball. He flaps at it, pushing the ball onto the crossbar and Dzeko is offside when collecting the rebound.
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
18: That’s a cruel blow. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is off injured. He slid into a challenge and twisted something in the process. Georginio Wijnaldum replaces him. 15: Kolarov looks a danger down that left flank. He collects a knock-back from Dzeko and nearly picks out the former Chelsea striker in the six-yards box. Karius claims. 12: Firmino nicks it off De Rossi before picking out Oxlade-Chamberlain. The midfielder strides forward and Alisson makes a routine save. Reds in charge at the moment. 10: Are things particularly tight at UEFA at the moment? In a sport where we’re debating the multi-million pound use of VAR, we can’t provide the officials with fully functioning flags! 7: Crazy scenes. Well, not really. The linesman is having serious trouble with his flag! It keeps falling off the stick and has now completely fallen to pieces. Roberto Firmino escapes the Roma defence and fires right across the face of goal. Oh wait, the linesman had the flag up. Except it wasn’t a flag, it was the stick because the material fell off.
You had one job pic.twitter.com/gGlcz9YzSk — Bilal B. (@JuveBillz) April 24, 2018
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
6: Supposed Liverpool target Alisson gathers a Salah effort from range. I should imagine Reds scouts will be keeping a close eye on the Brazilian this evening. 3: I’m not quite sure about the way Roma have set up. They are playing an insanely high line against this counter-attacking Liverpool side. Kevin Strootman has the first chance of the evening when striking straight at Kauris from distance. 1: I think Jamie Carragher might be working for Danish television this evening. Never thought I would say this but it’s quite nice to see him with a microphone in his hand. We’re underway! Incidentally, this Roma team look huge. Set-pieces may just play a part tonight. YNWA… 19:43: There’s a spine-tingling rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone as the players emerge to a ridiculously loud Anfield. Incredible atmosphere. “The players will get a flavour of what it was like for Gladiators to walk out at the Colosseum all those years ago,” is the slightly crazy opening sentence from the BT Sport commentator.
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
LIVERPOOL vs ROMA 19:41: Quick reminder folks. Liverpool XI: Karius; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson, Milner, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Salah, Firmino, Mane. Subs: Mignolet, Clyne, Klavan, Moreno, Wijnaldum, Ings, Solanke. Roma XI: Alisson, Manolas, Fazio, Juan Jesus, Florenzi, De Rossi, Strootman, Kolarov; Nainggolan, Under, Dzeko. Subs: Skorupski, Peres, Pellegrini, Perotti, Gonalons, Schick, El Shaarawy. TWITTER ROUND-UP Tom: I think Roma will be too strong for Liverpool tonight, who rely on the front 3. Roma are balanced across the field and are defensively strong, having conceded 10 less goals than Liverpool in their respective leagues. Roma to win 2-1. Fabian: That Roma midfield is the true definition of "Football and Business" combined. No messing about tonight! Ian: Edin Dzeko will get no joy from Virgil van Dijk. He will sit on Dejan Lovren and look for weaknesses there!
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
HAVE YOUR SAY 19:35: If you want to vent your frustrations, or discuss any issues in the world of football (within reason), then get in touch! You can either comment at the bottom of the page or contact me via Twitter using the hashtag #ExpressSport. THAT’S THE POWER OF… 19:33: I was going for a Huey Lewis and the News reference. It didn’t work. Moving swiftly on. The advantage of the power of Anfield can be debated but there is no doubt it is a special place on European nights and that’s reflected in their results. Liverpool have lost only one of the last 20 European matches at home and are unbeaten at home in the last 15, winning 10 and drawing five. Of the 17 European semi-finals they have played at Anfield, the Reds have won 13, drawn three and lost just one. Overall, on the 49 occasions they have played a knockout first leg at home they have had advanced 38 times.
TWITTER Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
TROUBLE 19:30: I hate to be the bearer of bad news folks but there’s been some crowd trouble around Anfield. Jonathan Northcroft, Sunday Times football correspondent, recently tweeted that Roma fans have attacked Liverpool fans using belts outside the Albert. He also claims they “Picked an older Liverpool fan and attacked him,” before the police arrived. The Daily Star’s Jeremy Cross also tweeted: “Paramedics treating the stabbing victim. Incident occurred close to the Albert. Believed to be a Liverpool fan.” NO PRESSURE, LADS… 19:25: Reaching a Champions League final should not be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, says Jurgen Klopp. The German tactician has stressed that he will not be building it up to be all-or-nothing for his players. "I make the pressure higher? I tell them it's the only chance you ever have in your life so use it. Would you love to hear that before a game?” Klopp said. “It’s not a once-in-the-lifetime chance. I am already for the second time in the semi-finals and if I go, I will be the second time in the final. That's pretty rare."
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
LIVERPOOL vs ROMA Analysis from our reporter Richard Tanner, at Anfield. 19:20: A couple of stats that should encourage Liverpool - Roma have not kept a clean sheet in their last 26 Champions League away games; the second longest run in the competition's history behind Celtic, who went 30 matches without a shut out between 2001 and 2016. But after staging that astonishing comeback against Barcelona in the quarter-final second leg, surely nothing will faze the club who are third in Serie A. And remember they came through a difficult group which contained both Atletico Madrid and Chelsea. Anfield is familiar territory for Roma's two ex-Manchester City players Edin Dzeko and Aleksandar Kolarov. But they will hope the Italian club enjoy better luck than City do in Liverpool's back yard. Remember it’s 1981 since City last won in Liverpool's back yard. Dzeko and Kolarov enjoyed their previous trip to England in the group stages - Dzeko scored twice and Kolarov also got on the scoresheet in the 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge. It maybe late April but its been raining all day on Merseyside so the pitch will be nice and slick - just to Liverpool's liking.
LIVERPOOL vs ROMA Analysis from our reporter Gideon Brooks, at Anfield. 19:16: Jurgen is able to field his strongest XI with five changes from the side which started, and drew 2-2, against the Premier League bottom side West Brom on Saturday. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dejan Lovren, Andy Robertson, James Milner and Roberto Firmino all come back in as Liverpool look for a hammer blow in the first leg. Any sort of a lead will be handy but Liverpool need to ensure the tightest defence of the Champions League’s remaining teams stays solid. And they also need to be wary of the manner in which Roma dismantled Barcelona’s 4-1 lead in the second leg of their quarter final. Roma have matched the Liverpool line up with highly-rated youngster Cengiz Under and all-action midfielder Radja Nainggolan flanking Edin Dzeko up front. Manager Eusebio Di Francesco likes to play with a high press and a high line at the back, compressing the space in midfield which could play into Liverpool’s hands if they can get the ball through to their front three quickly.
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
UNSTOPPABLE SALAH 19:15: How to follow up five entries about Mohamed Salah? How about another one… Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco insists he has not sought the advice of Mohamed Salah's former team-mates at the Serie A club on how to stop him. The Egypt international’s 41-goal tally has already eclipsed the 34 in 83 appearances he made in two seasons at Roma. His pace makes him a huge threat on the counter-attack but it is his proficiency in front of goal which has elevated him to the next level with an incredible 35 goals coming in his last 34 games. He averages a goal every 92 minutes in the Champions League and has a better conversion rate that the competition's top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo. Yeah. So. Might want to consider asking for some advice, Eusebio… THE TROPHY… 19:10: Wait. So the Champions League trophy comes fully equipped with a glove-wearing security guard holding an umbrella?
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
STEVIE APPROVES 19:05: Champions League winner Steven Gerrard has given his nod of approval on Jurgen Klopp’s team selection. “I think James Milner deserves to stay in there. There was talk of Milner or Georginio Wijnaldum," he told BT Sport. “Wijnaldum is a good player but I think Milner’s performances over the two legs against Manchester City, he was probably the first name on the team sheet for me.” KLOPP EXPLAINS… 19:00: Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is flattered by Roma’s team selection. And why wouldn’t he be? It’s the same approach they used to topple Catalan giants Barcelona in the quarter-final. “It’s a strong Roma side. They are playing the same system they played against Barcelona – so that’s a big honour,” said the manager. “It will be exciting. It’s a really open game with two strong sides. Go through their line-up and it’s a mixture of experience, youth, skills, threat and everything. Go through our line-up and it’s pretty much the same. That’s how a semi-final should be.”
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
RESPECT 18:55: You’ve probably seen it, but I felt that Roma captain Daniele De Rossi laying a wreath at the Hillsborough memorial deserved another mention this evening. The Roma players were joined by a delegation from the club as well as legend Francesco Totti as they learned about the devastating day for Liverpool and the subsequent fight for justice by the families and survivors. TWITTER ROUND-UP Bradley: As a Liverpool fan I never underestimate teams in Europe. Like I said earlier, I feel nervous about this one tonight. My Prediction will be a 2-0 win to Liverpool. Pepe: I’ve asked three friends for the score. One with no knowledge, one with intermediate knowledge and another with good knowledge of football. All have said 2-0 to Liverpool. Surely scientific enough just to give the win to Liverpool and forget about the next nervy 90 mins? Rich: Mo Salah will be central to tonight's game. I don't think he will score but Roma will focus on him allowing Firmino and Mane to find more space. I expect another big European night at Anfield. Very scientific, Pepe. Congratulations on the three friends…
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
FRANK LAMPARD 18:50: “It will be very difficult for Roma tonight. The Liverpool players can use this atmosphere, just like they did against Manchester City," Lampard told BT Sport. "They were fantastic, they were organised, they didn’t let their emotions get away from them. They were organised, but when they break, they break. They’ve got such a great way of playing now and if they can get their game-plan perfect, you can expect them to get a good win here tonight." ERROR… LOADING… 18:45: When Roma agreed to sell Mohamed Salah to Liverpool last June, I doubt they envisaged what was to follow. In the words of Alan Partridge: “Knock it off with the fancy words, mate. Say it like it is. It went t**s up.” It did. The prolific 41-goal forward, who was crowned PFA Player of the Year, has been a revelation in the Premier League, and cost just £36million. The Italian Serie A club's President James Pallotta said as much in a recent interview, admitting Liverpool got themselves a bargain. "When you look at it now, you can say it's an unbelievable bargain," Pallotta said.
PA Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
ROMA BUS… 18:40: It won’t make sensational headlines but the Roma team bus has arrived safely at its destination. Not a scratch on it. Jurgen Klopp urged fans to respect Roma and be on their best behaviour. Aside from climbing on that Police van - it looks like they’ve been listening! TEAM NEWS - SALAH RETURNS 18:35: Nothing too surprising about Liverpool’s line-up. They are back to full strength having rested five players for Saturday’s 2-2 draw with West Brom. Jordan Henderson returns from suspension, while James Milner is preferred to Georginio Wijnaldum in midfield. Nathaniel Clyne recovers from a minor niggle and is named among the substitutes. Young Trent Alexander-Arnold keeps his place at right-back. The terrifying trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah lead the line.
TWITTER Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
LIVERPOOL vs ROMA 18:30: Here’s your line-ups folks. No messing around from Jurgen Klopp, who names his strongest possible XI for tonight’s showdown. It also looks like Roma are going with three at the back with Cengiz Under upfront. Liverpool XI: Karius; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson, Milner, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Salah, Firmino, Mane. Subs: Mignolet, Clyne, Klavan, Moreno, Wijnaldum, Ings, Solanke. Roma XI: Alisson, Manolas, Fazio, Juan Jesus, Florenzi, De Rossi, Strootman, Kolarov; Nainggolan, Under, Dzeko. Subs: Skorupski, Peres, Pellegrini, Perotti, Gonalons, Schick, El Shaarawy. GET WITH THE PROGRAMME… 18:25: Here’s tonight’s official programme folks. The Fab Three have unsurprisingly made the front cover. Kind of looks like this was inspired by The Avengers. Anyone would think they were Superheroes…
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
PREDICTIONS… 18:20: Liverpool will beat Roma 2-1 tonight, according to Gary Neville. Great. Shall we bother playing the match, Gary? "I'm going for Liverpool to win their first leg 2-1 in my Super 6 predictions, but I'll add that I also think they'll get knocked out over the two legs, with Roma a very different proposition and capable of frustrating Jurgen Klopp's attack," Neville told Sky Sports. TWITTER ROUND-UP Carl: If I fail my exam on Thursday, I’m blaming Liverpool for inconveniently getting to the semi-final. Can’t focus on anything else. Michael: Roma will be on their A game tonight, very difficult match. Foolish to believe this will be anything less. Roma deserve to be where they are. Tom: I have scrolled past everything on Twitter that isn’t Liverpool vs Roma related today, absolutely nothing else matters but this game tonight. Up the glorious European Reds. I, and about forty five thousand Liverpool fans will vouch for you, Carl…
Atmosphere building outside The Arkles pub next to Anfield as fans wait for the team buses #LFC #CapitalReports pic.twitter.com/0bjuR1odK5 — Capital Wirral News (@CapitalWIRNews) April 24, 2018
GOOD ATMOSPHERE? 18:15: Er, yes. The atmosphere is building nicely around Anfield with thousands of Liverpool fans lining the streets. Songs, flares and perhaps a beverage or two ahead of kick off. Jurgen Klopp said he wanted to see the same passion and noise from the Liverpool fans inside the ground but better behaviour on the streets outside after the quarter-final first leg fiasco. So far everything looks in order. We’ll wait to see what happens when the Roma coach arrives… HAVE YOUR SAY 18:10: If you want to vent your frustrations, or discuss any issues in the world of football (within reason), then get in touch! You can either comment at the bottom of the page or contact me via Twitter using the hashtag #ExpressSport.
GETTY Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
EVENING… 18:05: This game doesn’t really need an introduction. However I’ve just been informed that I’m contractually obliged to provide one, so fasten your seatbelt folks! Liverpool welcome Roma to Anfield for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. Jurgen Klopp’s side are bidding to reach their first Champions League final since 2007, and only surprise package Roma stand in their way. I know the Italian side recently agreed a multi-year partnership with Qatar Airways, but are they really capable of reaching new heights in Europe's premier club competition? I’ll see myself out. Please forgive the pun and standby for tonight’s confirmed line-ups.
Liverpool arrive at Anfield ahead of Champions League clash with Roma Tue, April 24, 2018 Liverpool have arrived at Anfield ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg against Roma Play slideshow ICelebTV 1 of 12 Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool squad arrive at Anfield ahead of their Champions League clash with Roma
REUTERS Liverpool vs Roma: Champions League latest score, news and updates from Anfield
Liverpool screamed into a five-goal lead in thrilling style, and then took Mo Salah off and wobbled
Emslie (left) was a late substitute in Sunday's goalless draw with Lyon
Manchester City's Claire Emslie believes they are well placed going into the second leg of their Women's Champions League semi-final against defending champions Lyon.
City fended off attacking opponents to leave the tie goalless, going into the decider in France on 29 April.
"We've put ourselves in a good position and we're definitely able to do it," said the Scotland midfielder.
"Them not scoring an away goal definitely helps."
The 24-year-old added: "Going over there we have to score to win anyway, so it might as well be an away goal that counts a little bit more."
City lost to Lyon at this stage in last year's competition and the Division 1 Féminine leaders have won all 28 of their competitive matches this season, scoring 173 goals and conceding just five.
Emslie is one of three Scotland internationals in the City ranks, alongside Jane Ross and Jennifer Beattie, with all of them scoring during this European campaign.
Chelsea and Scotland's Erin Cuthbert (middle) in action against Wolfsburg
There is a fourth Scot involved in the semi-finals, with Erin Cuthbert part of a Chelsea side defeat 3-1 at home by Wolfsburg at the weekend.
"I've been speaking to Erin," said Emslie. "We send her good luck messages and we all support each other and hopefully can keep getting better.
"It speaks volumes for English football having two teams in the Champions League semi-finals."
Reaching this stage of the competition has earned both FA Women's Super League sides places in the first Women's International Champions Cup in Miami this summer.
Emslie is part of the Scotland squad aiming to get to the 2019 World Cup in France
The four-team pre-season tournament will also include Paris St-Germain and North Carolina Courage, leaders of the USA's National Women's Soccer League.
Emslie has allowed herself a moment to ponder how a place in May's final in Ukraine would feel and the former Bristol City and Hibernian player admits it would be "massive".
"When you put it in perspective, it's probably the highest level you can get to apart from a World Cup, so to be part of it it's great," she said.
"It's exciting but you just need to keep the head and play the best football you can."
