Manchester City’s lightning start meant nothing, as Liverpool got a 2-1 win and a 5-1 aggregate victory in the Champions League last eight.
Jurgen Klopp’s side claimed a famous victory to book their place in the semi-finals, with Mohamed Salah’s record-breaking goal cancelling out Gabriel Jesus’ early opener before Roberto Firmino struck the winner at the Etihad Stadium.
Trailing 3-0 from the first leg at Anfield and fresh from Saturday’s bitter defeat to Manchester United, City made a lightning start in their quest for a famous comeback, with Jesus netting in only the second minute.
The home side totally dominated the first half but were denied a second by fine margins, with Bernardo Silva hitting the post and Leroy Sane seeing a goal harshly ruled out for offside.
Furious with referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz’s decisions, Guardiola raced onto the pitch at half-time to confront the official and was promptly ordered to watch the remainder of the match from the stands.
Salah compounded City’s frustrations with a simple finish 56 minutes in, becoming the first Liverpool player to score eight times in a single Champions League or European Cup season, and Firmino pounced on a Nicolas Otamendi error to seal their passage to the last four and match his team-mate’s record tally.
With the cause looking lost for the hosts, Firmino robbed Otamendi on the edge of the area and stroked a low finish past Ederson to send the travelling fans into delirium and seal a miserable 10 days for City.