Monday, 23 December, 2024

Champions League: Liverpool secure final ticket after moving past Villarreal


Liverpool

Liverpool have qualified for the UEFA Champions League final after defeating Villareal 5-2 on aggregate.

Liverpool had to come from behind, having been on 2-2 aggregate after their host went two goals up in the first half.

They have therefore kept their hopes of winning an unprecedented quadruple alive.

The Reds came into this game after they comfortably won 2-0 in the first leg.

The Yellow Submarine wiped off that advantage after only 41 minutes at a noisy and passionate El Madrigal as they pushed for a huge upset.

Boulaye Dia put Villarreal in the lead with the first goal after only three minutes. He converted Etienne Capoue’s pass. Former Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin headed in a second from another Capoue cross as the Reds looked rattled.

In the second half, Liverpool improved and Fabinho put them back in front on aggregate with a shot that went through the legs of Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli in the 62nd minute.

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Substitute Luis Diaz restored Liverpool’s two-goal aggregate advantage with a header at the back post.

Sadio Mane then secured Liverpool’s place in their third Champions League final in five seasons. The Senegalese scored the third goal after taking the ball around Rulli.

Villarreal ended the game with 10 men with Capoue sent off late on for two bookable offences.

The Reds will play either Manchester City or Real Madrid in the final. This is scheduled for the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, 25 May.

No English side has ever won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup all in the same season. Liverpool is aiming to create history.


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