On my radio show '#FootyOnTop' (which airs at 10am on Saturday mornings, on On Top FM (95.5FM)), I had stated that Liverpool will score 4 against Barcelona after their first leg defeat, but with the Lionel Messi on the pitch, I was not sure whether or not they would definitely keep a clean sheet or not. On Monday night and Tuesday morning, I put on various bets hoping that Liverpool would be able to pull off another memorable European night at Anfield and advance to another Champions League final. At the time of making the prediction on the radio, I of course did not know that Mo Salah would get injured that very evening again Newcastle, or that Roberto Firmino would still be struggling with a thigh/groin issue.
When the starting xi was announced, I have to say I was disappointed that Daniel Sturridge was not in the side. Despite, Divock Origi getting a late winner at Newcastle, I felt that Sturridge would be the more likely to 'shoot on sight', which in game where Liverpool needed at least three goals in 90 minutes to at least force extra time, I thought that he could be essential. Xherdan Shaqiri was used further forward as he deputised for Salah, meaning the only man from Liverpool's usual frontline was Sadio Mane. With the defence picking itself, it was the midfield where questions were being asked also. The midfield had been named of Fabinho, James Milner, Jordan Henderson. Though this was not the 'brexit' midfield three. they were deemed possibly as being too agricultural, for a match where Liverpool needed to show a great attacking threat to overcome their deficit. Could Klopp prove many wrong again and get the selection right?
Anfield was electric, and even before the referee blew the whistle to start the game, you were gripped at the level of noise in the stadium. 'You'll Never Walk Alone' drowned out any sound around and Liverpool's players needed to match their fans' passion, and do the unthinkable. Liverpool started in the perfect way, when on seven minutes: the ball fell to Henderson in the box whose shot was saved by Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and Origi pounced to put the rebound in for 1-0, the roof felt like it was going to come off Anfield! Could Liverpool actually do it?! The rest of the first half showed one or two promising moments for Liverpool, and Origi could have scored again. Barcelona had looked threatening on the break however, as Liverpool continued to push men forward. Messi, was pulling strings and found Phillippe Coutinho and Jordi Alba in space, but neither could take their chances, Messi himself had an effort tipped over by Alisson.
Towards the end of the first half, Luis Suarez seemed to kick out at Andy Robertson, and though he at first seemed alright to continue, the Scotsman eneded up coming off at half time, and he was replace by Georginio Wijnaldum, as Milner dropped back into the left back position. This was to be a change that would prove detrimental for the Catalan side as Wijnaldum scored a quickfire double to put Liverpool 3-0 up. The first was a low shot that Ter Stegen got something on, but could not keep it out. The second of the Dutchman's goals was a towering header from a lovely ball in by Shaqiri; Shaqiri had otherwise had a quiet game. Liverpool's 2 goals in 3 minutes had Barcelona rattled, they were having flashbacks of being beaten by Roma last season, their heads were going. Messi continued to come forward and almost created something, the momentum though was with Liverpool. The game was looking like it may be going to extra time, but then Liverpool forced a corner in the 79th minute. Barcelona seemed preoccupied, when Trent Alexander-Arnold's quick thinking sent the corner into the box and Origi side footed the ball into the top corner for 4-0! SCENES!! La Liga's Champions were caught napping, any hopes of the goal being disallowed were not to be and Liverpool now had just over 10 minutes plus injury time to hang on and reach the final. Liverpool indeed did hold on, and the unexpected had been achieved, after the dismay of seeing Manchester City getting a late winner that basically confirmed them as champions domestically, the team showed immense character here.
Istanbul was done in one night, but nonetheless in regards to a two legged tie, this has to go down as one of, if not the greatest European night at Anfield. Olympiakos in 2005, Dortmund in 2016 were surely topped by a comeback against a team which featured the best player in the world Messi. As well as that Liverpool never had two of their first choice front three fit, and Barcelona had literally rested the whole starting xi on the weekend. Liverpool, had made it a terrible night for the bookies with some having them as high as 16/1 to advance to the final. To not win the competition would be an anti-climax, but with the Premier League not looking likely now, it would be heartbreak beyond measure, an unthinkable experience.
The night ended with the team all lined up to thank the Kop, a truly magical night that will likely never be topped, Mo Slah donned a t-shirt saying 'never give up', and this embodied the mentality of the sqaud that Jurgen Klopp has instilled. It felt like Liverpool had won the trophy already, but there was still one more job to do. On to Madrid it is!
@DubulDee
Comments