Liverpool talking points as they believe in miracles and Divock Origi proves worth v Barcelona

Jordi Alba’s poor header from a Joel Matip long ball was taken on by Sadio Mane and then Jordan Henderson whose poked finish was pushed out by Marc-Andre ter Stegen. But there was Origi to tap in.

Back came Barca who had a string of chances themselves on the break. Often they tried to walk the ball in and Alisson denied Lionel Messi, Philippe Coutinho, Alba and old boy Luis Suarez.

The second goal in the 54th minute was decisive. Trent Alexander-Arnold crossed from the right and Wijnaldum arrived perfectly to crash his shot past ter Stegen.

Just two minutes later it was a double for the Dutchman as he headed home a Xherdan Shaqiri cross to level the tie on aggregate.

And then came number four in the 79th minute. Alexander-Arnold was clever and cunning at a corner, walking away from the ball before spotting Origi unmarked and whipping in a ball that the frontman swept home.

As they held on, Liverpool became only the third team in the history of the European Cup or Champions League to come from three goals down after the first leg of a semi-final, emulating Panathinaikos in 1970-71 and Barcelona in 1985-86.

REDS BELIEVE IN MIRACLES

A glorious failure was expected at Anfield. Surely they could not come back from three goals down against Lionel Messi and Barcelona, it was said.

They had a four per cent chance of reaching the final, it was said.

And without Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and then losing Andy Robertson at half-time to injury as well, the odds were heavily stacked against them.

But this Liverpool side has summoned a spirit this season that words cannot describe – and defied belief. This was one of those occasions, one that will long be remembered in the club’s revered history.

They were classy, cavalier and courageous.

The performance and result will be up there with the miracle of Istanbul, when they won the Champions League in 2005 after coming back from three goals down at half time.

It could surpass it, given they tamed arguably the game’s greatest player in Lionel Messi. Lifting this trophy for a sixth time will confirm it.

DEADLY DIVOCK DESERVES MORE CHANCES

It seems strange to think Origi has been at Liverpool for five years.

A £10 million signing at 19, a bright future was predicted for the Belgian striker.

It hasn’t quite worked out like that and he has had just 41 starts in all competitions during that time, amid loan moves to former club Lille and Wolfsburg.

But plunged into the frontline in the absence of Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino, Origi showed he has perhaps finally come of age.

There is talk about his future being away from Anfield, but maybe that would be a mistake right now.

He is only 24. There is room and time for improvement.

Against Barca, he offered a physical presence that Liverpool have sometimes lacked. Origi offers a different option and dynamism and it seems crazy to think Salah and Firmino were not missed.

Origi was a willing runner, worked well in holding the ball up and was in the right place at the right time for the opening goal and then the fourth. He made the most of this opportunity. He deserves to be given many more in future.

MONSTERS IN MIDFIELD LEAD FIGHTING SPIRIT

After the Nou Camp defeat, questions were asked about the quality of this Liverpool side.

Fingers were pointed at Virgil van Dijk too as he and his defence were left embarrassed by Lionel Messi. But the bearded genius was left forlorn as the Reds and their Dutch commander got their payback and proved they deserve every bit of credit and respect in this fantastic campaign where they are so close to Premier League and European glory.

Van Dijk was a titan, a tower of strength, but he was not alone. To a man, Liverpool were bold and brave.

From defence to attack, they hassled Barca at every opportunity, harried and hurried them into making mistakes few thought they would make.

The pressing from Klopp’s men was unworldly, their passion incredible.

Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and James Milner were monsters in midfield, tackling anything that moved. And unsung heroes like Joel Matip, Gini Wijnaldum and Origi revelled in the spotlight.

There were heroes everywhere.