Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool FC continue to dream of the historic quadruple. The Reds advanced to the final of the Champions League with a 3-2 (0-2) win at Bayern-Schreck FC Villarreal.
The overjoyed Jürgen Klopp kept slapping his heart and hugging his players in relief. The team manager and Liverpool continue to dream of the historic quadruple.
The nerve-racking Reds advanced to the final of the Champions League with a 3-2 (0-2) win at Bayern-Schreck FC Villarreal and will meet Manchester City or Real Madrid on May 28 at the Stade de France. For Klopp, after the defeat in 2018 and the triumph in 2019, it is already the third premier class final with Liverpool.
“It all started the way you don’t want it to. We didn’t get into the game. Then we started kicking and found the space,” said Klopp on “Prime Video”: “I’m really happy.”
Fabinho (62′), the strong joker Luis Diaz (67′) and Sadio Mane (74′) scored the redeeming goals in the guests’ convincing second half at the Estadio de la Ceramica. After the 2-0 loss in the first leg at Anfield and goals from Boulaye Dia (3rd) and Francis Coquelin (41st), Villarreal hoped in vain for a miracle. The hosts played the last few minutes after receiving a yellow card against Etienne Capoue (86th, repeated foul play) outnumbered.
The Europa League winner can still look back with pride on the season in the premier class. Before FC Bayern, coach Unai Emery’s team knocked out record Italian champions Juventus Turin in the round of 16.
Liverpool FC still dreams of the quadruple
Liverpool, who have only suffered one defeat this year, are still keeping an eye on the quadruple: the traditional club won the League Cup back in February. Chelsea are waiting for the FA Cup final on May 14, while the Reds are just a point behind leaders Manchester City in the Premier League.
Klopp had warned against arrogance before kick-off in the sold-out cauldron of 23,500 spectators in Villarreal. “We ignore the result of the first leg. We know that they will give everything they have,” said the 54-year-old, who only extended his contract until 2026 after the first leg.
The former Dortmund master maker saw himself quickly confirmed. The “Yellow Submarine” appeared more often in the Liverpool penalty area in the early stages than in the entire first duel. The hosts quickly rewarded themselves for their courageous performance with Dia, Emery cheered exuberantly.
Liverpool FC turns the game after the break
Liverpool seemed surprised and found it difficult to press the outsider. The dreaded speed and combination game of the guests, who had arrived with an impeccable record of five wins in five away games in this premier class season, didn’t gain momentum at all in the first half.
Klopp was visibly unhappy and flailed his arms wildly on the sidelines. It did not help. Villarreal remained the more dangerous team. Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker risked his neck and neck against Giovani Lo Celso who had broken through (37′). Five minutes later, however, he was powerless against Coquelin’s header.
Klopp reacted and brought in Diaz for Diogo Jota after the change – a good decision. Liverpool became more dominant, Villarreal retreated more. A deflected long-range shot by Trent Alexander-Arnold hit the bar (55′). The guests then increased the pressure and were rewarded by Fabinho. Goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli looked unhappy. Diaz equalized with a header, Mane then made everything clear. Rulli made a mistake again.