LIVERPOOL -- Roberto Firmino has told ESPN Brasil that he was moved to tears by the reception Liverpool received en route to Anfield for Wednesday's Champions League tie with Manchester City.

Liverpool supporters lined the streets to greet the arrival of Jurgen Klopp's team ahead of the first leg of the quarterfinal, with the Reds running out 3-0 winners.

But the reception for the Liverpool bus followed ugly scenes as fans threw objects that damaged the City transport and injured two police officers, leading to charges from UEFA on Thursday.

Inside the stadium, Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren branded the atmosphere as the best he had experienced during his time at the club, with Firmino also believing the crowd provided Liverpool with an extra edge.

"When we were on the bus I was reading about how the reception was going to be. I must say, it filled my eyes full of tears. It was very moving for me," the Brazilian said.

"It only gives us more strength to fight on the field and win the games."

Roberto Firmino John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Goals from Mohamed Salah, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sadio Mane inside 31 minutes give Liverpool a commanding lead ahead of next week's second leg at the Etihad Stadium.

But Firmino echoed his manager's comments in saying that the tie was only at half-time, especially against an opponent like Pep Guardiola's side, who can win the Premier League title against Manchester United on the weekend.

"I think we played really well," said the forward, who was substituted after 71 minutes. "We had a great game, we scored and kept the clean sheet, which is important.

"We haven't won the tie yet, we have to keep focused."