Liverpool Land Big 2018 Champions League Quarter-Final Win vs. Manchester City

Liverpool raced to a stunning 3-0 win over Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final at Anfield on Wednesday.

Mohamed Salah broke the deadlock after just 12 minutes before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's rocket and Sadio Mane's header gave the hosts a 3-0 lead after just half an hour as Liverpool flew out of the traps. 

The Sky Blues improved after the break after a change of shape, but despite dominating much of the possession, they were unable to find a way through the Reds' resilient defence.

Hostile Reception for City

Liverpool fans had planned to welcome City's team bus ahead of the match, so it was of little surprise when the Sky Blues received a hostile reception upon their arrival at Anfield, per Goal's Sam Lee:

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp apologised on behalf of the club in his pre-match interview, after City's coach was damaged by the bottles thrown at it:

Liverpool also released a statement in which they "apologise unreservedly" for the incident. Football writer Joel Rabinowitz was pleased with their response:

Salah Shines Again But Goes Off Injured

The clash saw the contenders for the Premier League's Player of the Year award, Salah and Kevin De Bruyne, go head-to-head. While Champions League performances may not count toward the gong, the prospect of the two facing off was mouthwatering, and Salah was the one to stand out.

He drew first blood in the tie when Kyle Walker failed to clear Roberto Firmino's rebound, which allowed the Brazilian to pick out Salah, and he then supplied the cross for Mane's header.

It looked set to be a perfect night for the Egyptian, but he was unable to add to his tally after he had to be withdrawn just seven minutes into the second half.

City Rattled Early On

City have waltzed to the Premier League title—which they can officially secure on Saturday—this season, with their superiority over their domestic rivals plain for all to see, but the first half at Anfield made for remarkable viewing on Wednesday as they were carved open by the Reds.

Pep Guardiola's side looked vulnerable and out of sorts, and Liverpool ruthlessly punished them in the opening half hour.

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard expects his former side to progress:

What's Next

Both sides play their local rivals on Saturday before facing one another in the second leg on Tuesday. Liverpool travel to Goodison Park to face Everton in the lunchtime kick-off, while City can win the Premier League title if they beat Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium in the evening fixture.