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Attendance: 55,212
Liverpool logo
Champions League | Semi-Finals
May 7, 2019 at 8pm UK
 
Barcelona logo

4-0

Origi (7', 79'), Wijnaldum (54', 56')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Live Commentary: Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona (4-3 on aggregate) - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's live coverage as Liverpool overturn a three-goal deficit to beat Barcelona to earn a place in the Champions League final.
2

Liverpool have reached the Champions League final courtesy of a 4-0 victory against Barcelona on a famous night at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp's team trailed 3-0 on aggregate heading into Tuesday's game, but two goals from Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum secured a remarkable triumph for the Premier League side.

Barcelona had their moments during an enthralling encounter, but the Catalan giants wilted during a 25-minute period during the second half.

Find out how all of the action unfolded on Merseyside courtesy of Sports Mole's minute-by-minute updates below.


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Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the second leg of the Champions League semi-final between Liverpool and Barcelona. The Spanish giants hold a 3-0 advantage from the opening fixture, but can Liverpool produce something special to reach a second successive final?

Without further ado, let's take a look at the two starting lineups, beginning with the team selected by Jurgen Klopp...

LIVERPOOL XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Milner; Shaqiri, Origi, Mane

LIVERPOOL SUBSTITUTES: Mignolet, Gomez, Lovren, Wijnaldum, Woodburn, Brewster, Sturridge


BARCELONA XI: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Vidal, Rakitic, Busquets, Coutinho; Messi, Suarez

BARCELONA SUBSTITUTES: Cillessen, Semedo, Umtiti, Vermaelen, Alena, Arthur, Malcom


Klopp finds himself without each of Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino for tonight's game, and it has resulted in Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi being introduced into the team. The latter will be hoping that he can build on netting the winner against Newcastle United at the weekend.

The Liverpool boss has also decided to make a change in his midfield. Georginio Wijnaldum is the man to miss out in the centre of the park, with Jordan Henderson and James Milner playing either side of Fabinho.

Klopp could have potentially handed starts to Joe Gomez at right-back and Dejan Lovren at centre-back, but the German has kept faith with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joel Matip.

The bench has a different feel to it with each of Ben Woodburn and Rhian Brewster featuring among the replacements. Woodburn had a failed loan spell at Sheffield United earlier in the campaign, while Brewster is in line to make his first senior outing for the Merseyside giants. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is out with a slight muscle strain.

Let's turn our attention to Barcelona now, and Ernesto Valverde has decided to stick with the team which began the first leg at Camp Nou. The only position arguably up for grabs was at right-back, but Sergi Roberto gets the nod over Nelson Semedo.

It looks like Valverde is going to play with a 4-4-2 formation, although there is potential for a 4-3-3. Former Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho will either play as the most advanced player of a midfield four, or feature on the left of a front three.

Valverde opted to rest this set of players at the weekend, but the Catalan giants did receive a blow with Ousmane Dembele suffering an injury during the early stages of the fixture at Celta Vigo. The France international is missing from tonight's squad.

It means that the bench has a rather defensive look to it. Only Malcom offers an obvious attacking threat, although Nelson Semedo could potentially be introduced down the right flank.

Brewster has had to wait for what feels like an eternity for his first team bow, but will tonight be the night?


Miss last week's encounter in Spain? Don't worry. Click here to see how Barcelona established a commanding lead in this last-four tie. A certain Argentine had his own way...

A number of players have spoken about their confidence in pulling off a near-miracle this evening. Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of them, and you can read the right-back's views by clicking here.

Salah and Firmino both miss out for Liverpool this evening and it is justifiably regarded as a huge blow. However, the pair have only netted eight goals between them in this year's Champions League.

However, Klopp has not favoured either of their replacements in this competition. Shaqiri has only played 86 minutes of European football this season, with Origi being given 100 minutes. Sturridge also only has 163 minutes to his name over six outings.

The bigger concern for Klopp will be conceding an early goal. Five have been shipped in their last two outings, while Porto were unfortunate not to net more than once in the quarter-finals. Big improvements need to be made.

A lot has been made regarding the potential of Brewster, who may be provided with some minutes in the second half. The young Englishman loves a knockout game, with the majority of his goals during England Under-17s' successful World Cup campaign coming after the last-16 stage.

Much was made of Luis Suarez celebrating against his former club last weekend, but the Uruguayan has insisted that he will 'show respect' this evening. Click here to see what the frontman has had to say.

Coutinho is another who may receive a negative reaction tonight, but there will surely be some applause, right? The Brazilian contributed 54 goals from 201 outings for Liverpool in all competitions.

Barcelona suffered defeat at Celta Vigo on Saturday evening with a much-changed side, but Valverde's first XI are currently on a run of 10 wins and two draws in all competitions.

The preferred side have also netted in each of their seven away games in all competitions, a run stretching back to the last-16 meeting with Lyon.

This was Liverpool going through their paces a little earlier. It goes without saying that they are going to require a fast start to have any chance of toppling the favourites for this competition.


PREDICTION! Liverpool have needed some magic on a European night in the past, but this task is surely too big for the Merseyside giants. We are backing Klopp's side to put in a strong display, but a 1-1 draw might be as good as it gets.

HEAD TO HEAD! Tonight's match represents the 10th time in which these two clubs have met in Europe, and there have been three wins apiece and three draws!

Liverpool have lost each of their last two home matches with Barcelona. Patrick Kluivert was among the goalscorers as the Spaniards prevailed by a 3-1 scoreline in 2001, while Eidur Gudjohnsen netted the only goal in a Champions League last-16 tie in 2007.

Messi is the only survivor from the 18-man squads which were named on that occasion. It is also Messi's only club outing at Anfield.

The two teams are beginning to make their way out. As you can imagine, it's some atmosphere. Liverpool's supporters know that their team are up against it, but stranger things have happened...

Not many, though.


A reminder of the two starting lineups...

LIVERPOOL XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Milner; Shaqiri, Origi, Mane

BARCELONA XI: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Vidal, Rakitic, Busquets, Coutinho; Messi, Suarez


KICKOFF:  Barcelona - and Suarez - get us underway.

My word, Liverpool nearly take the lead after just 51 seconds. Mane and Shaqiri combine to send the ball towards Henderson at the back post, but a defender flicks the ball behind for a corner.

Robertson and Messi have also had a coming-together. Robertson pushed Messi's head down when the Argentine was attempting to stand up. Things are getting lively already!

Liverpool are basing themselves really high up the pitch. Mane, Origi and Shaqiri are almost on the toes of the defenders.

The home side win a second corner and about a dozen players position themselves within two yards of Ter Stegen. However, Alexander-Arnold's delivery does not beat the first man.

GOAL!  LIVERPOOL 1-0 BARCELONA (DIVOCK ORIGI)

Jordan Henderson and Divock Origi after Liverpool score against Barcelona in the Champions League on May 7, 2019.© Reuters


GOAL!  Hello! A mistake from Alba gifts the ball to Mane, who plays it on to Henderson. The midfielder cuts inside before seeing a shot from 12 yards well saved by Ter Stegen, but Origi is there to convert the rebound!

Liverpool are well up for this, as you would expect. The front three are causing this Barcelona backline all kinds of problems.

PENALTY APPEAL!  The home side are appealing for a penalty when Mane goes down under the attention of Roberto, but the referee says no. Probably the right decision.

YELLOW CARD!  Fabinho is the first player to go into the book for an aggressive lunge on Suarez. The Brazilian is letting his emotions get the better of him.

This has been a rip-roaring start. Neither side are giving an inch, but it is Liverpool who are having the better of this game.

CHANCE!  Barcelona put together a smart move down the left and it leads to Alba pulling the ball back for Messi. The Argentine takes the shot on from by the penalty spot, but Alisson is able to tip his effort over the crossbar.

The visitors follow up that opportunity with a spell on the ball, and it is making Liverpool think a bit more about their general approach. They have got what they wanted from the opening 15 minutes. They do not want to waste it.

CHANCE!  Barcelona are beginning to knock on the door. Messi breaks through the middle and tees up Coutinho, but the former Liverpool man curls a low effort too close to Alisson.

SHOT!  And again. The ball falls invitingly for Messi around 20 yards from goal, and the forward lashes a shot marginally wide of Alisson's left-hand post.

There are signs that Barcelona are taking over at Anfield. Liverpool have required a bit of luck to stay ahead, but it remains to be seen how long that will last.

SHOT!  Liverpool hit back through Mane, who has a cross cleared to the edge of the area for Robertson. The Scot makes solid connection with his first-time strike, but Ter Stegen is able to punch the ball away.

We can't be too far away from another goal. It feels like we are at the 75-minute mark - not 25. It has been an energy-sapping start.

In fairness to Barcelona, they are doing an effective job when they wish to slow everything down. The Liverpool fans are committed to booing their every touch, but it will only provide extra motivation.

If you were wondering what kind of reception Coutinho and Suarez were being given, let's just say negative and leave it at that.

We are going to have a break in play while Alba and Lenglet receive treatment after a collision.


We are back underway but now Henderson has taken a knock to his knee in a challenge with Alba. It's another stoppage, but both teams will be grateful.

Henderson seems to be struggling and Wijnaldum has gone through a warm-up, but the Englishman is keen to continue. We look set to have at least four minutes of added-on time.

This is a controversial call. Milner breaks from midfield and looks to play in Mane, but Lenglet obstructs the run of the Senegalese. It should probably be a free kick, but the referee waves the appeals away.

Liverpool are showing a bit more going forward, but their end product is not what it was. More importantly, Liverpool need to ensure that they do not concede before the break.

Now Robertson has gone down with an injury. It looks like Suarez has kicked out at him during an attack, but no-one has seen it. Surely VAR should have a call to make!

Robertson is back up to a standing ovation. The left-back is loved at Anfield. However, he will need to keep his head here. Suarez is out to antagonise him. Surprised? Us neither.

SHOT!  Origi initially does well down the right before Henderson passes the ball over to Robertson. The left-back gets a shot away, but it is deflected wide of Ter Stegen's post.

There will be four minutes of added-on time.

YELLOW CARD!  Busquets goes into the book for barging into Fabinho when challenging for a high ball.

SHOT!  Shaqiri has been really poor during the first half, and the Swiss's latest error leads to a chance for Barcelona. Messi is able to get a shot away from 20 yards, but the forward drags his effort wide of the post.

CHANCE!  Barcelona break forward from a Liverpool corner and Messi picks out the run of Alba. The left-back should score after getting in behind the backline, but Alisson is out to make a partially crucial block.

HALF TIME:  Liverpool 1-0 Barcelona

The half-time whistle goes at Anfield and Liverpool have managed to hold on to their early lead, given to them by Origi. However, the Merseyside giants have had to ride their luck. Still, they now only trail 3-1 on aggregate and it is enough to provide them with encouragement ahead of the second half.

Liverpool will likely have to call on their bench at some stage. Barcelona may have to as well in order to see out the match. Here's a quick reminder of the two sets of replacements...

LIVERPOOL SUBSTITUTES: Mignolet, Gomez, Lovren, Wijnaldum, Woodburn, Brewster, Sturridge

BARCELONA SUBSTITUTES: Cillessen, Semedo, Umtiti, Vermaelen, Alena, Arthur, Malcom


Klopp has decided to make a change at the break. Wijnaldum is being introduced into the action, but we are yet to see who is being withdrawn.

It's Robertson who is being substituted. He must not have recovered from the knock sustained in the incident with Suarez.

KICKOFF:  Liverpool get us back underway.

The home side win an early corner, but Shaqiri's outswinging delivery is poor. The winger doesn't look to have benefitted from a long period out of the team.

A clever ball is played over the top of the Barcelona defence, and Mane is able to get it under control. However, Roberto gets across to make a crucial intervention.

CHANCE!  So close for Liverpool! This corner is aimed towards the back post, and a back-heeled volley from Van Dijk is superbly kept out by Ter Stegen.

CHANCE!  Barcelona go straight up the other end and a pass is played through to Suarez, who is clear on goal. However, the Uruguayan's low effort is palmed away unconvincingly by Alisson.

YELLOW CARD!  Rakitic goes into the book for deliberate handball in the middle of the pitch.

GOAL!  LIVERPOOL 2-0 BARCELONA (GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM)

Liverpool's Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates scoring against Barcelona in the Champions League on May 7, 2019.© Reuters


GOAL!  Liverpool double their advantage on the night! Alexander-Arnold's low cross from the right is deflected into the path of Wijnaldum, who drills a first-time effort under Ter Stegen from 12 yards out!

GOAL!  LIVERPOOL 3-0 BARCELONA (GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM)

GOAL!  ANFIELD IS BOUNCING! Shaqiri delivers the perfect cross for Wijnaldum to send a header towards goal, and the Dutchman finds the top corner from 10 yards out. Ter Stegen didn't move. Liverpool are now level on aggregate!

Football, eh? Barcelona are on the back foot, but do not think for one moment that they are out of this. One away goal, and Liverpool need two again.

SUBSTITUTION! Barcelona make their first switch as Semedo is introduced for Coutinho.

Everything has quietened down just a touch. It needed to. Liverpool are continuing in search of a fourth, even though they have something to hang onto.

Barcelona are doing what they can to get their foot back on the ball. They still look fearful of Liverpool when their hosts have the ball.

YELLOW CARD!  Messi surges forward through the middle, and Matip trips the Argentine around 30 yards from goal. We have been here before...

SAVE!  Messi hits the ball into the wall, but it goes out for a Liverpool corner. A floated pass eventually returns to the penalty area for Messi to control and volley towards goal, but Alisson makes a smart save at his near post.

Barcelona are seeing much more of the ball now. It's probably not the worst thing for Liverpool. They need the breather before another late push.

More of the same from the visitors who are probing away. Liverpool are doing their best to push Barcelona back, but they have to be careful about being hit in behind.

SUBSTITUTION! Barcelona make a second change as Arthur is introduced for Vidal.

YELLOW CARD!  Semedo is cautioned by the referee after hauling back Mane on the flank.

GOAL!  LIVERPOOL 4-0 BARCELONA (DIVOCK ORIGI)

Liverpool celebrate Divock Origi's winning goal against Barcelona in the Champions League on May 7, 2019.© Reuters


GOAL!  I have no idea what I am witnessing! Alexander-Arnold sees an opportunity to take a quick corner, and it leads to the right-back firing a low pass into Origi who is waiting on the edge of the six-yard box. Barcelona are asleep and Origi fires into the top corner from six yards out!

SUBSTITUTION! Barcelona make their final alteration with Malcom replacing Rakitic.

Liverpool want to make a second substitution with Gomez replacing Shaqiri, but Origi is currently down. We will be having a stoppage in play yet again.

SUBSTITUTION! Origi is coming off with Gomez being introduced in his place.

Barcelona are back in possession and looking for space in the final third. Liverpool have everyone behind the ball.

It is still all Barcelona with Liverpool effectively sitting on their own 18-yard box. Barcelona will create a chance, you would think.

SUBSTITUTION! Liverpool make their third alteration as Sturridge comes on for Shaqiri.

There will be five minutes of added-on time.

Liverpool work a three-on-three situation in the final third, but each of Mane and Henderson fail to use the ball effectively. They could have wrapped up the tie there.

Fabinho wins the ball in the centre of the pitch, and draws the foul out of Messi of all people. Anfield erupts.

FULL TIME:  Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona

The full-time whistle goes at Anfield and Liverpool have produced the performance of a lifetime to defeat Barcelona by a 4-0 scoreline.

They said the miracle of Istanbul could not be beaten. It just has been, surely. What a night. Liverpool are in the Champions League final with a 4-3 aggregate win.


That will be all from Sports Mole for this match. We need time to gather ourselves. We imagine you will too.

If you would like to read our on-the-whistle match report, you can do so by clicking here. Goodbye for now.


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