Former Champions League title holders Liverpool issued a statement of intent in their charge to for European glory by defeating RB Leipzig in Tuesday night's Round of 16 encounter. The Reds capitalised on a series of errors by the Bundesliga outfit to cruise to a 2-0 victory, easing the pressure ahead of the second leg clash.

In what was a keenly contested affair between the two sides, none of the sides could break the deadlock in the first half despite the catalog of chances that fell their way. However, Liverpool changed the narrative in the second half scoring in quick succession to run away with the win. The Merseysiders got the opening goal in the 53rd minute after Mohamed Salah pounced on Marcel Sabitzer's misplaced pass and slotted it past Peter Gulacsi.

⚽ 53' Mohamed Salah

58' Sadio Mane

Two gifts from Leipzig, and Liverpool have two away goals.

LIVE | https://t.co/L5hInQjNF7#UCL #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/e1FnEXvJQc

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) February 16, 2021

Barely five minutes later, Saido Mane put Liverpool two goals ahead - this time capitalizing on a defensive error by Mukiele and racing on to bury it in the bottom-left corner of Leipzig's goal. A grandstand second-leg showdown could have been set up right at the death by Die Roten Bullen but substitute Hee-Chan Hwang fluffed his lines and missed a glorious 1-v-1 to get a consolation goal for his side.

Liverpool double their lead through Mane!

The Reds have scored twice in the space of five minutes.

Watch live: https://t.co/bw5ULpVfPO | #UCL pic.twitter.com/4406S1heKG

— SuperSport (@SuperSportTV) February 16, 2021