DBasia.news – Former Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho believes Barcelona’s three-goal lead over Liverpool has killed the Reds’ chances of qualifying for the Champions League final twice in a row.
Luis Suarez’s goal against his former club made Barca lead 1-0 in the first round at the Nou Camp before Lionel Messi’s two goals led Ernesto Valverde’s side to pole position to play in Madrid on June 1.
Liverpool managed to create some good opportunities to score away at the Camp Nou and Mourinho believes their failure to score an away goal will hurt the English club.
“When the result was 2-0, I still thought the match was still open,” Mourinho said.
“When they failed to take advantage of the last minute opportunity to change the score 3-1, I expected the opportunity to still be there, but 3-0 remained 3-0. Unbelievable and Barcelona had a very negative experience with Roma last year.”
“I know that Liverpool at Anfield are very difficult to overcome, the team is good, but if Barcelona scores one goal, then Liverpool have to score five goals.”
Mourinho also discussed the other semi-final match between Tottenham and Ajax, which he said was more difficult to predict. Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs side are one goal behind next week’s second leg in Amsterdam.
“It’s very, very difficult to predict,” Mourinho added. “Looking at Champions League history, Ajax played better away from home, three wins in England, Spain, and Italy, they played against top club countries, even against Benfica, all were tough opponents but they played superbly.”