Klopp masterminds one of Liverpool's greatest-ever UCL nights in stunning comeback against Barcelona

Aditya Devavrat 07:36 08/05/2019
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  • Liverpool pulled off a stunning comeback to rival some of the greatest results in the club’s history as they beat Barcelona 4-0 at home on Tuesday night to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit and reach the Champions League final.

    It’s a second straight final for Jurgen Klopp’s side as their incredible season continues. Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum scored two goals apiece and the Reds dominated against a strangely lacklustre Barcelona.

    Here’s a closer look at how Klopp masterminded the incredible turnaround.

    KEY STATS

    Goals – 4

    Shots – 13

    Possession – 43%

    Passing accuracy – 78%

    Chances created – 11

    Dribbles – 10

    30-SECOND REPORT

    With Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino missing through injury, Xherdan Shaqiri and Origi joined Sadio Mane in attack, as Klopp shuffled his pack, making four changes to the XI that lost the first leg.

    Liverpool got off to a flier thanks to Origi’s seventh-minute goal, and they got a similarly fast start in the second half, with two goals in two minutes levelling the aggregate score with over half an hour left to play.

    More than enough time for Origi to grab the headlines.

    TACTICAL TALKING POINT

    Klopp sticks to his guns

    There was talk that without Salah and Firmino, Liverpool might line up with a front two. Instead, Klopp trusted his 4-3-3 system.

    Origi ran himself into the ground trying to replicate Firmino’s energy as leader of Liverpool’s press, and scored twice. Shaqiri struggled in the first half, but produced the assist for Wijnaldum’s second.

    Even an injury to Andy Robertson couldn’t knock Klopp off his stride. He simply moved James Milner to left-back and brought on Wijnaldum – who bagged a brace.

    VERDICT

    Tuesday night at Anfield probably comes right below Istanbul 2005 as the greatest European night in Liverpool’s history. What more could one have asked for from Klopp and his players?

    Facing a 3-0 deficit against a side that has arguably the greatest player of all time, with a depleted team, Klopp ensured his side showed the hunger and intensity that they’ve had all season.

    When those traits are combined with the ability of this Liverpool side, anything’s possible. Bring on Ajax or Tottenham.

    RATING – 10/10

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