A night to never forget for Liverpool FC
It has been over two years since the historic night in the Champions league semi-final which saw Liverpool FC run riot against Barcelona at Anfield. European nights are always special, especially at Anfield but there was something in the air that night.
Was it the underdog statement that sparked something inside those Liverpool players? Who knows? All that matters is Liverpool were out to make a statement, and they did with a triumphant 4-0 victory.
Liverpool Football Club Champions of Europe Season Review 2018/19 [DVD]
The fighting spirit
Many football fans had ruled Liverpool out of the tie, following their 3-0 defeat at Camp Nou, following Messi’s brilliance. Furthemore, Liverpool were without two of their famous front 3; Mohammed Salah and Roberto Firmino, plus Naby Keita. Therefore the odds just weren’t stacking in Liverpool’s favour.
As expected fans arrived early, ready to welcome to team bus with great numbers. They used their voice and passion to get the players riled up. Liverpool already knew the score, they knew they had a challenge but they were up for it. Meanwhile, Mohammed Salah was in attendance to watch the game, wearing a t-shirt which said ‘Never Give Up’. Because of this, it showed their character and spirit within the dressing room. Consequently, they knew they could cause an upset, and where better to do it than Anfield.
A recap of the first half
With the atmosphere booming and the voice of the anfield crowd singing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ as the players make their way onto the pitch, shivers were sent down the spine of many.
It took only 7 minutes for Divock Origi, the man who filled in for Bobby Firmino, to get on the scoresheet after Ter Stegen’s save from Henderson’s shot which electrified the crowd. Liverpool had some great spells in the first half. Certainly, it looked like they could score again at any minute. It had then reached half time, remaining 1-0 to the reds.
A recap of the second half
In the second half, Gini Wijnaldum came on to replace Andy Robertson who had picked up a knock, but this was a blessing in disguise. Subsequently, within 10 minutes of the second half resuming, Gini smashed the ball past the Ter Stegen to start what would be a quickfire brace. Two minutes later, Shaqiri whipped in a cross for Wijnaldum to head thunderously into the top corner… 3-3 on aggregate, GAME ON!
I think everybody knows what happened next, but lets relive that moment. As the final 10 minutes were approaching, Liverpool got a corner. From some quick thinking from the ballboy to get the ball to Trent Alexander Arnold, to the quick thinking of Trent, what happened next went down in history. As the phrase goes, corner taken quickly… ORIGI!!! Barcelona were caught sleeping and Trent whipped the ball into the box, for Origi to latch onto, to put the home side 4-3 up on aggregate.
Liverpool managed to see out the victory which allowed them to progress into the Champions League final for the second consecutive year, which they went on to win against Tottenham Hotspur, 2-0.
An unforgettable night was created that night, and will go down in history as one of the greatest comebacks of all time. We live for these moments.
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