Liverpool shot to the lead through Divock Origi after just 7 minutes of the match, and Barcelona have been able to keep the scoreline at 1-0.

The Reds have set the tempo and their intensity has proven hugely hard to cope with, pressing Barcelona all over the pitch in the opening 45 minutes.

A mistake by Jordi Alba enabled Liverpool to get the ball into the penalty area from the right flank, where Jordan Henderson took possession. He beat a defender and shot low and hard, bringing a good save out of Ter Stegen. The Barcelona goalkeeper couldn’t prevent the ball from rebounding to the feet of Divock Origi, who had the simple task of slotting into an empty net.

Ernesto Valverde’s side managed to stem the flow of early Liverpool attacks and should perhaps be heading into the interval on level terms. It has been a thoroughly absorbing contest that leaves the tie on a knife-edge. As good as the Reds have been, a goal for the visitors would all but end their hopes of a place in the final.

Barcelona remain a threat on the break, with Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho both forcing saves from Alisson.

Crucially, Leo Messi has been very quiet tonight, but then he was fairly quiet for the first half of last week’s first leg too. Liverpool can’t afford to take their eyes off him for a second.

Photo Credit: Liverpool FC