Liverpool have taken a big step towards the quarter-finals of the Europa League with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the first leg of their last-16 clash at Anfield on Thursday.
The two bitter rivals were meeting on the European stage of the first time ever, and goals from Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino gave the home side a significant advantage at the halfway stage of the tie.
It took just 15 seconds for the first chance to arrive as United came forward early down the left, but Marcus Rashford did not expect Alberto Moreno to miss Memphis Depay’s cross and could not react in time to make anything of the opportunity.
Despite that quick start, it took until the 20th minute for the first shot of the game, and it was enough to give Liverpool the lead as Daniel Sturridge converted from the spot.
Memphis was the man penalised for a tug on Nathaniel Clyne right on the edge of the penalty area and, after referee Carlos Velasco had pointed to the spot, Sturridge placed his finish past David de Gea from 12 yards.
The hosts did finally get a second goal with just under 20 minutes remaining, however, when Michael Carrick’s error gifted Lallana in the ball inside the area, and he kept his composure to find Firmino, who swept from the finish from close range.
United’s most threatening moment of the entire match eventually arrived in the 85th minute when Marouane Fellaini climbed above Dejan Lovren inside the area, but he nodded his effort a yard past the post.
There was to be no reply from the visitors, though, as Liverpool ended a four-game losing streak against their biggest rivals to put one foot in the quarter-finals.
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