In a focus battle in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final that ended in the early morning of April 28, Beijing time, Liverpool defeated the big black horse Villarreal 2-0 at home, taking advantage of the opportunity to advance to the final. In the second half of the match, Liverpool superstar Mane scored the team's second goal to seal the win.
In the 55th minute of the game, Mane received Salah's direct plug and quickly stepped in, seized the only blocking hole of goalkeeper Rulli, and scored a very light outside low shot! Mane's goal also allowed him to set a number of records.
First, it was Mane's 20th goal in 45 appearances for Liverpool this season and the fourth time of his Liverpool career that he had scored more than 20 goals in a single season.
Secondly, Mane scored 14 in the Champions League knockout rounds, equalling the African player record held by Drogba.
Third, Mane has contributed 14 goals in the last five Champions League knockout rounds, second only to Benzema in the same period since his 2017-18 Champions League debut. Even more than Levan and Cristiano Ronaldo's 13 goals, Messi's 12 goals have already been More than Salah's 11 goals.
Fourth, Mane tied Wayne Roone in the Champions League knockout round for a single England club, behind Lampard (15 goals).
Although Mane was in a relatively long-term slump last season, his form has finally recovered since entering 2022. Mane has been directly involved in 17 of his 17 appearances at club and national teams, including 14 goals and 3 assists, and is in pretty hot form.
And with Liverpool already reaching the Champions League final on one foot, Mane is expected to secure his second Big Ears Cup. Coupled with the African Cup of Nations and League Cup at the beginning of the year, Mane will also follow Liverpool to the Premier League and FA Cup. With so many accolades and good personal data, Mane will undoubtedly be an unexpected rival to real Madrid's Fcmento Ferdin.