Liverpool sinks 'Yellow Submarine', enters Europa League final

Liverpool beat Villarreal 3-0 (3-1 aggregate after two legs), reaching the final against Sevilla.

Liverpool players' joy when reaching the final. Photo: Reuters.

English teams have a poor record against Spanish sides in the past, but Liverpool overcame the ghosts of history to qualify for Basel. Against Villarreal at Anfield, Liverpool were the superior team in every aspect, from physical strength to tactics to fighting spirit.

Statistics show that Liverpool controlled 60% of the time, launched 25 shots, 12 of which were on target. Meanwhile, Villarreal only had six shots, 2 of which were on target. Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet even had a leisurely second half.

Amid such an overwhelming match, Liverpool scored three goals by BrunoSoriano (own goal), Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana. Villarreal were also down a man from the 70th minute whenVictor Ruiz received a second yellow card.

"Yellow Submarine" Villarreal was sunk at Anfield.

Villarreal player sent off in the 70th minute. Photo: PA.

Losing 1-0 in the first leg, Liverpool were determined to turn the game around by pushing their squad high from the start. The home team attacked relentlessly with mobile attackers like Sturridge, Coutinho, Firmino, and Lallana. As soon as they lost the ball, the forwards immediately pressed to regain the ball, so Villarreal had almost no chance to attack.

Firmino did not get on the scoresheet but deservedly was the best player of the match. The Brazilian midfielder contributed greatly to all three goals for Liverpool. Firmino's fast and powerful dribbles on the left wing opened up clear scoring opportunities. Firmino also had an artistic dribble and pass inside but Alberto Moreno could not score in the final shot.

Firmino (right) was the brightest player of the match. Photo: Reuters.

Since replacing Brendan Rodgers, Jurgen Klopp has led Liverpool to their second final. Previously, The Kop were eliminated by Man City in the League Cup final.

Liverpool's opponents in the final on May 18 are Sevilla. The defending champions beat Shakhtar Donetsk 5-3 on aggregate in the semi-finals. Winning the Europa League is the only way for both teams to qualify for next season's Champions League, as both Liverpool and Sevilla are currently out of the top four in their domestic leagues.

By defeating Villarreal, Jurgen Klopp's team prevented La Liga from setting an unprecedented record: having four clubs reach two European finals in one season. Previously, both Atletico and Real reached the Champions League final.

According to VNE