Jürgen Klopp said reaching a third Champions League final in five seasons with Liverpool felt as good as the first one after his team recovered from a punishing first half to beat Villarreal on a pulsating night in eastern Spain.
Liverpool conceded twice before the interval for a 2-2 aggregate scoreline, the stadium rocking as Villarreal advertised a stunning comeback. But inspired by the half-time introduction of Luis Diaz, Liverpool regained their poise to win 3-2 on the night and 5-2 overall.
Fabinho, Diaz and Sadio Mane scored the goals to set up a final against Real Madrid or Manchester City in Paris, with Mohamed Salah hoping it will be the former. Salah wants to avenge the 2018 loss to Real in the final when he was manhandled out of the game by Sergio Ramos. “I want to play Real Madrid, I have to be honest,” Salah said. “Hopefully we’ll win it from them as well.”
Klopp was overjoyed, particularly at the mental toughness that his players showed in the second half. “Outstanding, massive – it feels like the first one because it’s always so special,” the manager …
- May 4, 2022
