Liverpool have reached the last 8 of Europe's premier club competition with the minimum of fuss, and excitement, at Anfield tonight.
You should never say never - but FC Porto were never going to overturn Liverpool's dominant 5-0 first leg lead.
The reds gung-ho style may ultimately prevent further advancement, but it could also be just the kind of madness that sees Liverpool recreate the unexpected 2005 Champions League win.
Liverpool made 5 changes tonight - but Porto effectively raised their white flag by making 10 changes from their first leg side. They knew at full time in Portugal that this was their exit point.
Firmino and Mane started, but they were joined by Adam Lallana making a rare LFC start this season. Mo Salah did have a brief cameo later on, and Firmino and Mane were withdrawn on the hour and the 75 minute mark respectively.
Moreno and Gomez came into defence - whilst Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren rekindled their relationship.
Hoping these lads can hold on to the narrow 5-0 lead from the first leg. #LIVPOR #LFC #UCL #LiverpoolFC pic.twitter.com/6EXMuJsYPg
— Propaganda (@propagandaphoto) 6 March 2018
The reds had chances - notably through Sadio Mane when he hit the post in the first half - and Milner too had a couple of chances that a more reliable striker may have converted.
Late on, Iker Casillas playing potentially his last Champions League game, tipped over a Danny Ings header.
He was warmly applauded by the Kop as he came towards them ahead of the second half.
In essence it was a dour game - not quite as sedate as a friendly with a couple of yellow cards shown - but Portugal had full gaze on their domestic campaigns and Liverpool had more than a sideways glance at the weekend's upcoming clash at Old Trafford.
Elsewhere Real Madrid knocked out big spending PSG to ensure two of Europe's biggest footballing superpowers into the next round.
The draw for the next round will be held on the 16th March.
