Latest Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp proud of team’s performance in first leg of Champions League semi

Liverpool were unlucky to lose 3-0 in the first leg of our Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

Luis Suarez opened the scoring in the 26th minute, and second half strikes from Lionel Messi gave the Catalans a huge lead ahead of the return fixture.

The Reds had their chances to score with James Milner, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah failing to find the back of the net from great positions.

Liverpool were brilliant in the second 45 and should have pulled a goal back, however, things were not meant to be.

Jurgen Klopp was proud of the display from the players as he spoke after the game (h/t Liverpool Echo):

“What did I say to them after the game? I said that I am really proud of them, that I liked a lot of things about the game.”

The German added that the focus is now on Newcastle, and highlighted how brave the team was against Barcelona:

“Whatever happens, these boys, I couldn’t be more proud of them. People who haven’t seen the game will see the result and say strange things about it, but they always strike back in these kind of games.

“How brave they are, I just like it. And in the end it is still 3-0, it will not change. So let’s fly home and play Newcastle.”

Liverpool have it all to do in the second leg

The Reds would have been in a great position had they scored even one goal. However, we need to pull off a miracle at Anfield, something that has been done in the past under Klopp.

Liverpool have to navigate a tough away game against Newcastle, and we need the three points to return to the top of the Premier League.

Manchester City play their tie against Leicester on Monday night.

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Barcelona have collapsed in the past, such as against AS Roma last season, and we can give them a scare in a week’s time.