“THEY’VE CAUGHT BARCELONA NAPPING.”
There were murmurs of a potential comeback, how the famous Anfield atmosphere would play its part as Liverpool’s 12th man. They’d done it before, they could do it again. But nobody really thought this comeback was on, did they? Not without Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
But it was. If there’s anything we should all have learned by now, it’s never to rule anything out, especially when Liverpool are involved. Jurgen Klopp’s side were able to channel the spirit of Istanbul to overcome a three-goal deficit against Barcelona, in no small part thanks to half time substitute Georginio Wijnaldum.
One of Liverpool’s less celebrated heroes, the Dutchman replaced the injured Andy Robertson, who had been forced off after a sneaky kick from former Red Luis Suarez, with Liverpool one goal in front after Divock Origi’s early goal.
DIVOCK ORIGI!
Another big goal for the Belgian! 🔴🔴🔴#LIVBAR #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/6K2C0cV8wr
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) May 7, 2019
Wijnaldum inspired hope of a comeback with something of a fortuitous goal as Marc-Andre ter-Stegen failed to stop a powerful shot from the midfielder, allowing the ball to creep underneath him, reducing the gap to one goal.
Barça didn’t even have a chance to regroup before Wijnaldum had added another, heading in a Xherdan Shaqiri cross, sending Anfield into bedlam.
GINI WIJNALDUM!
Absolutely brilliant from Trent Alexander-Arnold! 🔴#LIVBAR #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/XveuAHeXWv
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) May 7, 2019
Could they hold on? Could they get another? Yes. And yes.
WHAT A CROSS!
WHAT A HEADER!
WHAT AN IMPACT FROM GINI WIJNALDUM! #LIVBAR #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/fMdriXH2eo— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) May 7, 2019
With just over ten minutes to go, Liverpool earned themselves a corner. A moment of genius from Trent Alexander-Arnold saw the young right-back put a low cross in before Barcelona had even had the chance to organise their defence, giving Origi the easiest chance he’d ever had – since the opening goal of the game – to secure Liverpool’s place in a second consecutive Champions League final. And the Belgian made no mistake, placing the ball into the top corner of the net.
LIVERPOOL 4-0 BARCELONA. 🤯
Divock Origi LOVES a BIG BIG goal! 🔴
Trent Alexander-Arnold with a piece of GENIUS! 😮#LIVBAR #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/fRO3IYrTWW
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) May 7, 2019
They’ve conquered all of Europe. They’re never going to stop.
