Liverpool survive scare in Spain to reach final

Liverpool overcame a valiant performance by Villarreal to book a third Champions League final in five seasons with a 3-2 victory at El Madrigal to complete a 5-2 aggregate win on Tuesday night.

The six-time European champions saw their first-leg advantage extinguished in the first half as Boulaye Dia’s third-minute opener was added to by Francis Coquelin, who outjumped Trent Alexander-Arnold to float a header into the top corner (41).

But Fabinho restored Liverpool’s advantage in the tie when his near-post shot flashed through Geronimo Rulli (62). It turned the tide as the inspired substitute Luis Diaz restored the visitors’ two-goal cushion from Alexander-Arnold’s cross (67).

The Reds will play either Manchester City or Real Madrid at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, 28 May.

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

LIVERPOOL REACH THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

The quadruple is still on 🏆 pic.twitter.com/WrEKykKqEl

— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 3, 2022

This is the 10th time Liverpool have reached the final of the European Cup or Champions League as they aim to become European champions for a seventh time after successes in 1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005 and 2019.

They already have the Carabao Cup in the trophy cabinet after beating Chelsea on penalties in February and Thomas Tuchel’s side are again the opposition at Wembley for the FA Cup final on 14 May.

This victory means Liverpool have become the first English club to reach the final of the European Cup/Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup in the same season.

Liverpool are also only one point behind Manchester City in the Premier League title race and could meet in the Champions League final later this month.

Villarreal CF would like to congratulate @LFC for reaching the @ChampionsLeague final.

Good luck in the future Reds, you’re a fantastic team.#UCL pic.twitter.com/1VFSfhAdLB

— Villarreal CF English (@VillarrealCFen) May 3, 2022

Pep Guardiola’s side hold the advantage in the second semi-final after an incredible first leg at Etihad Stadium saw them beat Real 4-3 in one of the best games in the tournament’s history.

The second leg takes place at Real’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Wednesday and if the Spanish champions, managed by ex-Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti, can turn the one-goal deficit around it would set up a repeat of the 2018 final.

Real won 3-1 on that occasion as Gareth Bale scored twice, including an incredible overhead kick, but the game will largely be remembered for two goalkeeping errors from Liverpool’s Loris Karius.

Related