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On Saturday evening, the fifth round of the FA Cup saw an exciting matchup between Liverpool and Brentford at Anfield Stadium. Brentford, who currently sits in second position in the Championship, were looking to cause an upset against the Premier League giants, and gave a good account of themselves.
Liverpool dominated possession in the opening period, with their intensity, experience, and quality ensuring they created a number of chances. Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane were constant threats, his busy feet linking up play and also fashioning a number of opportunities. Their more creative players were flourishing.
Brentford had to defend for their lives, but fortunately for them, their stoic backline held firm. When possession was gained they also created chances, although the pressure of playing in such a huge stadium with a large crowd understandably had an effect on them.
Liverpool eventually broke the deadlock mid-way through the second-half when Mohamed Salah scored a magnificent goal. The Egyptian cut through the Brentford defence with an extraordinary piece of individual skill, before coolly slotting past the goalkeeper. It seemed as if the FA Cup run of the Bees was all but over.
However, Brentford proved their resilience after the goal was scored. They hounded the Liverpool players every time they received the ball and produced some fantaxtic counterattacks. In the 76th minute they were rewarded for their efforts as Said Benrahma equalized for the visitors. His composed finish on the edge of the area brought the away side back to level terms.
The Liverpool players knew they had to find a winner as the clock ran down, and their attacks gained an increased sense of urgency. At times the home pressure was too much for Brentford, and the Reds created several chances to score a winning goal.
However, the match petered out in the closing minutes, with both teams managing to keep the score level until the final whistle blew. The match was evidence that the FA Cup is still the most unpredictable competition around, and it was hard to begrudge Brentford the point.
Liverpool will now have to face a replay at Griffin Park against their Championship counter-parts, who provided a stern test of the European champions credentials. The match will certainly be a tightly contested affair, and no doubt offer another exciting match-up for the neutral.
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