Emre Can and manager Jürgen Klopp have reached the final of the Europa League. Seven days after their disappointing 1-0 defeat in the first leg against Villarreal, the Reds put three past the Spanish side at Anfield to win 3-1 on aggregate. An own goal from Bruno Soriano (7’) gave them an early lead, before Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana put the tie to bed in the 62nd and 81st minutes respectively.
“The atmosphere in the dressing room is of course very, very good. It wasn’t an easy match, but we managed it thanks to the fans,” said Can following the match. Klopp praised his team for an outstanding 90 minutes: “It was a wonderful night and a brilliant match from us. We gave an excellent account of ourselves, particularly in the opening 30 minutes.”
Liverpool will face FC Sevilla in the final on May 18th (20:45 CEST). The Europa League winners from the last two seasons defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 in the second leg to secure their place in yet another final. Kevin Gameiro was the key man, scoring a brace on the night to put his side through. Mariano was the scorer of the third goal in the 59th minute. Eduardo scored in the 44th minute for the guests, which levelled the scores for a short while.
Can returns to the starting XI
Emre Can celebrated his comeback at Anfield, playing from the beginning despite his ankle injury just three weeks ago. He showed no signs of rustiness, starting the move which ultimately led to the opening goal with a wonderful pass to Clyne in the 7th minute. Villarreal were clearly rattled in front of the 45,000-strong crowd, and Liverpool took the opportunity to up the pressure on the Spanish back line.
Klopp had to wait until the second half, however, before he could celebrate a second goal. In the 63rd minute, Firmino cleverly volleyed the ball down to Sturridge, who found himself free in front of goal with just the goalkeeper to beat. The English striker coolly side-footed the ball home and Anfield was rocking. A goal for the guests would have sent them through despite Liverpool’s 2-0 lead, but it wasn’t to be. In the end, Lallana put the game beyond all doubt, intelligently flicking home Sturridge’s attempt.
Emre Can and manager Jürgen Klopp have reached the final of the Europa League. Seven days after their disappointing 1-0 defeat in the first leg against Villarreal, the Reds put three past the Spanish side at Anfield to win 3-1 on aggregate. An own goal from Bruno Soriano (7’) gave them an early lead, before Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana put the tie to bed in the 62nd and 81st minutes respectively.
“The atmosphere in the dressing room is of course very, very good. It wasn’t an easy match, but we managed it thanks to the fans,” said Can following the match. Klopp praised his team for an outstanding 90 minutes: “It was a wonderful night and a brilliant match from us. We gave an excellent account of ourselves, particularly in the opening 30 minutes.”
Liverpool will face FC Sevilla in the final on May 18th (20:45 CEST). The Europa League winners from the last two seasons defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 in the second leg to secure their place in yet another final. Kevin Gameiro was the key man, scoring a brace on the night to put his side through. Mariano was the scorer of the third goal in the 59th minute. Eduardo scored in the 44th minute for the guests, which levelled the scores for a short while.
Can returns to the starting XI
Emre Can celebrated his comeback at Anfield, playing from the beginning despite his ankle injury just three weeks ago. He showed no signs of rustiness, starting the move which ultimately led to the opening goal with a wonderful pass to Clyne in the 7th minute. Villarreal were clearly rattled in front of the 45,000-strong crowd, and Liverpool took the opportunity to up the pressure on the Spanish back line.
Klopp had to wait until the second half, however, before he could celebrate a second goal. In the 63rd minute, Firmino cleverly volleyed the ball down to Sturridge, who found himself free in front of goal with just the goalkeeper to beat. The English striker coolly side-footed the ball home and Anfield was rocking. A goal for the guests would have sent them through despite Liverpool’s 2-0 lead, but it wasn’t to be. In the end, Lallana put the game beyond all doubt, intelligently flicking home Sturridge’s attempt.
