12 minutes was all it took for Liverpool to overcome a first half scare that saw them level on aggregate with Spanish side, Villarreal in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi final.
A week ago, the Anfield side overcame a very defensive-minded Villarreal by 2 goals, and then many thought the tie was over.
But in the reverse fixture in Spain, Unai Emery’s men showed their mettle when they pulled one back in the 3rd minute through Boulaye Dia before former Arsenal man, Coquelin scored his first European goal since 2013 in the 41st minute to silent the travelling Kop.
In that time, Liverpool were unable to muster one shot on target and were second fiddle to the Spaniards just about in every aspect.
But things changed for the Reds when Luis Diaz replaced Jota.
First, Salah fed Fabinho a through ball and the Brazilian was able to beat the offside trap and tuck away his finish behind Rulli.
Just five minutes later, Diaz ghosted into the box to meet Trent Alexander Arnold’s teasing cross to make it 2:2 on the night.
But the English side was not yet done, this time, Keita who many called for him to be hooked at half time, sent a long ball into the home side’s half, only for an onrushing Rulli to miss it. But Mane didn’t, as he pounced on it, dribbled past Foyth to score in an empty net, sending Liverpool to Paris, where they will meet either Manchester City or Real Madrid.
This is Liverpool’s third Champions League final in five years, and their fourth European final in six years.
Klopp has now matched Sir Alex Ferguson’s total number of appearances in a European final. And he has done that in 22 fewer years.
Klopp has also become the first Premier League Manager to make it to the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Champions League finals all in one season.
