LIVERPOOL’S quest for a historic quadruple remains intact having survived a massive scare to overcome Villarreal in their Champions League semi-final.
The Reds were dragged back on level terms courtesy of two first half goals from Boulaye Dia and former Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin.
However, Luis Diaz’ introduction in the second 45 inspired Liverpool to finish off what they had started at Anfield.
- RESULT: Villarreal 2-3 Liverpool (agg 2-5)
- TV/Live stream: BT Sport 2 HD
- Villarreal XI: Rulli; Foyth, Albiol, Torres, Estupinan; Lo Celso, Parejo, Capoue, Coquelin; Moreno, Dia
- Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Keita, Thiago; Salah, Jota, Mane
Third time is a charm
Jurgen Klopp will take his team to his third Champions League final and it means so much to everyone associated with the club.
Substitutions changing the game
You would be hard pushed to find a better signing this season than Luis Diaz.
The January addition changed the game today with his half-time introduction.
He gave Villarreal problems from the first whistle to the last.
Scoring a goal in the process to send his side through to the final in Paris.
A game of two halves
The comeback kings have done it again!
Turning the tie on its head with three goals in 12 second-half minutes.
This Liverpool team do not lie down for anyone.
Their spirit epitomised by their German manager.
From Paris with love
Jurgen Klopp will take his Liverpool team to yet another final as they travel to France for this season’s showpiece final.
The players celebrate with the fans, the joy clear on everyone’s faces.
Villarreal look devastated but they need to celebrate their accomplishment in this season’s tournament.
FT: Villarreal 2-3 Liverpool
Liverpool are in the Champions League final!!
Paris will be the venue, Madrid or Man City to face them.
The referee brings the game to a close.
What a second half performance from Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Villarreal 2-3 Liverpool
90. All you can hear are Liverpool fans now.
The home contingent have gone quiet.
Liverpool’s second half performance has silenced them.
Two additional minutes to be played.
Villarreal 2-3 Liverpool
88. Etienne Capoue is beaten for pace by Curtis Jones and the Villarreal man receives his second yellow card.
No arguments from the player as he walks off before waiting for the card.
This should make the final few minutes much easier for Liverpool.
They have dominated this half of football.
Red card – Etienne Capoue (Villarreal)
Villarreal 2-3 Liverpool – Torres yellow card
86. Pau Torres makes a rash challenge on Mane.
He upends the Liverpool player and receives a yellow.
Villarreal looking frustrated now.
Villarreal 2-3 Liverpool
84. James Milner comes on for Fabinho.
The Brazilian has to be up there for man of the match.
His goal got things going for Klopp’s men.
Villarreal 2-3 Liverpool
82. There are some dejected fans in the stands now.
Villarreal cannot believe how this game has changed.
Liverpool holding firm at the back whenever the yellow shirts pile forward.
Villarreal 2-3 Liverpool
80. Liverpool have made a number of changes.
Tsimikas and Curtis Jones joining the game.
Thiago and Robertson making way.
Jordan Henderson has joined the game too.
Villarreal 2-3 Liverpool
78. Liverpool are 13 minutes away from booking their place in Paris.
There seems no way back for Unai Emery’s side.
Never say never, this tournament tends to have many twists and turns.
Villarreal 2-3 Liverpool
76. Liverpool have scored three goals in 12 minutes in this second half.
Rulli comes racing out of his box and Mane gets to the ball first taking it around him.
The Senegal striker slides the ball into an empty net.
Goal – Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
Villarreal 2-2 Liverpool
74. Fabinho is penalised for a foul on Lo Celso.
He has been fantastic in this half.
The Brazilian has taken control of the centre park.
Villarreal 2-2 Liverpool
72. Liverpool are knocking the ball around with more purpose in this half.
They look a different team to the one we saw in the first half.
Villarreal chasing shadows at the moment.
Villarreal 2-2 Liverpool
70. With twenty minutes left, Liverpool have got their two-goal advantage back.
Moreno comes off for Villarreal.
They push forward looking to find a way back into this tie.
Villarreal 2-2 Liverpool
68. Alexander-Arnold crosses this time with his left foot.
He finds Luis Diaz on the back post who heads home.
What a second half display by Liverpool, turning this tie around.
Goal – Luis Diaz (Liverpool)
Villarreal 2-1 Liverpool – Diaz chance!
66. The Columbian picks up the ball on the left and cuts inside.
He gets a shot away but it deflects inches wide of the far post.
Konate wins a header from the corner but it goes wide of the upright.
Villarreal 2-1 Liverpool – Capoue yellow card
64. The Villarreal midfielder goes in hard on Fabinho.
No arguments about that being a foul.
Fabinho felt that one.
Villarreal 2-1 Liverpool
62. Fabinho is threaded in and he finds himself one on one with the keeper.
He opts for power rather than precision and ball goes straight through Rulli’s legs.
Huge goal for the visitors.
Goal – Fabinho (Liverpool)
Villarreal 2-0 Liverpool
60. Robertson is penalised for a foul on Lo Celso.
Unnecessary with so many red shirts around him.
Villarreal come forward for the first time in this half but lose possession.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
