Matchday LIVE: Liverpool finish off Villarreal & seal Champions League final berth

<p>Liverpool have won!</p><p>It was an incredible fight back from Jurgen Klopp's side in the first half.</p><p>After going 2-0 down at half-time, they dominated the last 45 minutes and got back into the lead through goals from Fabinho, Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane.</p>

Full time: Liverpool are through to the Champions League final

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mane passes the ball into an empty net after rounding Gerónimo Rulli! ⚽️<br><br>Liverpool have turned this around with such ease in the second half! <br><br>Three goals in the space of 12 minutes 🌪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/XsohPejL2j">pic.twitter.com/XsohPejL2j</a></p>— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1521590554328510465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sadio Mane puts the tie on ice.  🧊 <a href="https://t.co/RDysSIn6UY">pic.twitter.com/RDysSIn6UY</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1521589829229711360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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WATCH: Mane puts Liverpool ahead

<p>Sadio Mane gets in on the goals.</p><p>It's another howler from goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.</p><p>Liverpool's first two goals went through his legs, but this one is wild.</p><p>He comes rushing out of his box but is beaten to the ball by Mane, who skips a pass then takes his time before slotting it into the open goal. </p><p>Liverpool lead 5-2 on aggregate and are on their way into the final.</p>

GOAL: Villarreal 2-3 Liverpool

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fabinho slams the ball home! 💥<br><br>Liverpool weren't going to roll over that easily...<br><br>Gerónimo Rulli won't want to see that one again! 😔 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/vJvXvAYVCE">pic.twitter.com/vJvXvAYVCE</a></p>— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1521586549879717889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FABINHO HITS IT THROUGH RULLI'S LEGS. 💥 <a href="https://t.co/dN4Cdi82Gk">pic.twitter.com/dN4Cdi82Gk</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1521586651905945601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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WATCH: Fabinho pulls one back for Liverpool

<p>Luis Diaz scores!</p><p>It's a fantastic ball in from Trent Alexander-Arnold and the attacker slips in to nod home.</p><p>Liverpool have equalised in the game and once again have a two-goal lead over the two legs.</p><p>They now lead 4-2 on aggregate.</p>

GOAL: Villarreal 2-2 Liverpool

<p>Fabinho has scored!</p><p>Liverpool are back in the tie as the Brazilian takes on a pass and sends it low and through the goalkeeper's legs.</p><p>It's 2-1.</p>

GOAL: Villarreal 2-1 Liverpool

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WOOOOOOOOW! 🤯<br><br>A great cross, a stunning leap, and a perfect header! 🎯<br><br>Francis Coquelin has drawn this tie level!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/bmpwsptIAp">pic.twitter.com/bmpwsptIAp</a></p>— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1521576621932695552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">FRANCIS COQUELIN! TIE LEVEL!  🤯 <a href="https://t.co/QjsKXbwVUB">pic.twitter.com/QjsKXbwVUB</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1521576797317390336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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WATCH: Coquelin gets Villarreal's second

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Boulaye Dia gets the opener! ⚽️<br><br>Villarreal have already halved their deficit in the third minute of the game! 😱<br><br>This tie IS NOT over! 👊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/fKUIE4JZ7F">pic.twitter.com/fKUIE4JZ7F</a></p>— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1521567465104453632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">VILLARREAL INSIDE 3 MINUTES. 😳<br><br>What a time for Boulaye Dia to score his first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> goal! 💥 <a href="https://t.co/k73ozw98zL">pic.twitter.com/k73ozw98zL</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1521567695174471680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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WATCH: Dia puts Villarreal ahead

<p>Villarreal have doubled their lead against Liverpool!</p><p>This time it's Francis Coquelin who gets on the end of a cross by Etienne Capoue to nod past Alisson.</p>

GOAL: Villarreal 2-0 Liverpool

<p>Villrreal have pulled a goal back!</p><p>A cross into the back post was played across to Dia who fired in the opening goal of the game.</p>

GOAL: Villarreal 1-0 Liverpool

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">1 - <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LFC</a> have become the first ever English club to reach the final of the European Cup/Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup in the same season. Dominance. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VILLIV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VILLIV</a> <a href="https://t.co/3EDpSScYbO">pic.twitter.com/3EDpSScYbO</a></p>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1521593129513725955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Liverpool make English history

<p>"We never tend to make these Champions League semis easy for ourselves," Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold said to <em>BT Sport</em>. </p><p>"Difficult, very difficult... We regrouped at half-time and grabbed it by the scruff of the neck and did what we needed to do. </p><p>"It was difficult for us first-half, we expected it but sometimes you can't control the game how you want to. </p><p>"They started the game very well, scored the early goals which is obviously what they wanted to do. We got the game done and booked our ticket  to Paris."</p>

Alexander-Arnold: We grabbed the second half by the scruff of the neck

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">4 - Jürgen Klopp has reached the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> final for the fourth time as a coach, equalling the record set by Marcello Lippi, Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti. NormalOne. <a href="https://t.co/nL2DSPV4Ez">pic.twitter.com/nL2DSPV4Ez</a></p>— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaFranz/status/1521592968926445574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Klopp equals the greats

<p>Virgil van Dijk was relieved that Liverpool managed to claw their way back into the match and book their place in the Champions League final. </p><p>Speaking to BT Sport, the centre-back said: "Hard work. First half, obviously, we should forget as soon as possible. In all kind of ways. On the ball we weren't good enough. The early goal didn't help us, it helped them massively. Second half we played outstanding, I think. Then it's got to be difficult for them to keep up with the press, the runs."</p><p>When pressed on what Jurgen Klopp told the players at half-time, Van Dijk said: "Play football, play the Liverpool way, the way we've played basically the whole season. You have to show how much you want to go to the final."</p><p>Asked about Luis Diaz's impact, Van Dijk said: "The way he goes one vs one, it doesn't matter who he's facing, he just goes at you... That's very difficult to defend against."</p><p>Does Van Dijk have a preference when it comes to who they will face in the final? </p><p>"No, any team that we're going to face in the final is going to be a nightmare to play against," he said. </p><p>"We know City in and out, they know us very well, too. Real Madrid is Real Madrid, they are such a big club. They have a very in-form striker at the moment, but we'll see tomorrow."</p>

Van Dijk: Whoever we face in the final will be a nightmare

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">PARIS HERE WE COME!!!!!!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LFC</a> 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴</p>— LeBron James (@KingJames) <a href="https://twitter.com/KingJames/status/1521594327524249600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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LeBron excited for the final

<p>Etienne Capoue has just chopped down Curtis Jones.</p><p>The challenge has earned the Villarreal star his second yellow card of the game.</p><p>The home team are now down to 10 men.</p>

Red card: Capoue sent off

<p>Liverpool seem to be taking control of possession in the first 15 minutes of the second half.</p><p>Villarreal have dropped back a bit and are not playing with the same intensity we saw in the first period.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">57' - Mane finds space in behind and sends in a cross, Diaz tries to finish it acrobatically but it goes over.<br><br>[2-0]<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VILLIV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VILLIV</a> <a href="https://t.co/pzuYV1oduX">pic.twitter.com/pzuYV1oduX</a></p>— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1521584165124255745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Villarreal dropping off in second half

<p>The second half has begun.</p><p>A huge 45 minutes ahead for both teams as Villarreal aim to maintain control of the match and complete their come back.</p><p>Liverpool, meanwhile, must fight their way back into the match.</p>

Second half underway

<p>Giovani Lo Celso was just sent through on goal and had a great chance.</p><p>But Alisson came rushing out and stopped the Villarreal star.</p><p>The home side made a big claim for a penalty, but the referee dismissed their cries.</p>

Villarreal with a big chance and penalty claim

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Champions League scorer for the first time ✅<br><br>🟡 What a moment for Boulaye Dia &amp; Villarreal!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/YTnM5FReEc">pic.twitter.com/YTnM5FReEc</a></p>— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1521569779475271682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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What a time to get your first Champions League goal

<p>The semi-final second-leg is underway!</p><p>Who will progress to the final?</p><p>Liverpool have the upper hand having won 2-0 at Anfield, but Villarreal have sprung a few surprises already in this campaign and will feel up to the task.</p>

Kick-off: Villarreal vs Liverpool

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">QUÉ GRANDES SOIS, GROGUETS.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/z8RbYp2jXZ">pic.twitter.com/z8RbYp2jXZ</a></p>— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) <a href="https://twitter.com/VillarrealCF/status/1521558329700634625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">How are we feeling, Reds? 🤔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VILLIV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VILLIV</a> <a href="https://t.co/K0OfyzgPml">pic.twitter.com/K0OfyzgPml</a></p>— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1521561271853846529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Atmosphere building in Spain

<p>Arnaut Danjuma is missing for Villarreal because of a muscle injury.</p><p>The Netherlands international is the Spanish side's top scorer in the Champions League with six goals, and their most prolific in La Liga with 10.</p><p>He will surely be a big loss for the Yellow Submarine, who start with Gerard Moreno and Dia up front against Liverpool.</p>

Will Villarreal miss Danjuma?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Heading into the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> semi-final second legs, <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaAnalyst?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OptaAnalyst</a> turns to our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AI</a> predictor to sort the chances of progression for the four remaining clubs.<br><br>It's looking like an all-<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PL</a> final, but anything is possible on the road to Paris.<br>👉 <a href="https://t.co/UYOxEugLSI">https://t.co/UYOxEugLSI</a> <a href="https://t.co/H34y0HzKKY">pic.twitter.com/H34y0HzKKY</a></p>— Stats Perform (@StatsPerform) <a href="https://twitter.com/StatsPerform/status/1521517873096798212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Are we set for an all-England final?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">¡Nuestro 1️⃣1️⃣ inicial para el partidazo histórico ante el Liverpool!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/mfvZtviHtr">pic.twitter.com/mfvZtviHtr</a></p>— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) <a href="https://twitter.com/VillarrealCF/status/1521544149698285570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Team news: Villarreal Aurier and Coquelin return to starting XI

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">⭐ TEAM NEWS ⭐<br><br>The Reds to face <a href="https://twitter.com/VillarrealCF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VillarrealCF</a> tonight in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> semi-final second leg! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VILLIV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VILLIV</a></p>— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1521544291251892224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Team news: Salah, Alexander-Arnold & Fabinho back in Liverpool starting XI

<p>Hello and welcome to today's matchday blog!</p><p><strong>GOAL</strong> will keep you up to date as we find out one of the teams that will book their place in the Champions League final.</p><p>Will Liverpool hold on to their 2-0 lead from the first leg to progress? </p><p>Or can Villarreal claw their way back into the tie and go through?</p>

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Live updates, scores, team news and more from today&apos;s Champions League semi-final