Liverpool produced a stunning fightback on a memorable night at Anfield as a four-goal blitz in the second half secured a berth in the semi-finals of the Europa League at the expense of high-flying Borussia Dortmund.
The Yellow Brigade raced to a 2-0 lead inside 10 minutes of the game to kill the tie effectively, but the game burst into life in a frantic second half that saw the Reds roar back in stupendous fashion.
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Goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put Dortmund in the driver’s seat for a place in the last 4, whilst Divock Origi pulled one for the hosts early in the second half to provide a glimmer of hope.
However, it was dashed just minutes later when Marco Reus struck to make it 3-1 in the visitor’s favour, but Liverpool were not to be cowed down by it.
Two goals in the space of 11 minutes brought the tie on a knife’s edge as Philippe Coutinho and Mamadou Sakho each scored and levelled the terms. Dortmund were still progressing on away goals, but Dejan Lovren broke Dortmund’s hearts with an injury-time header that propelled the Merseysiders into the semi-finals.
Here are the major talking points from an enthralling affair at Anfield.
1) A tale of a European classic
Liverpool against Borussia Dortmund was always going to be an intriguing match-up. Two sides currently in transition, thriving under their new managers, were going head-to-head in a competition which was their only hope of a silverware this season.
Having cancelled each other out in the 1-1 draw in the first leg, the sides were expected to set the cat among the pigeons in search of progression, and that’s exactly what transpired.
Whilst Dortmund flew out of traps early on and raced to a 2-goal advantage within the first 10 minutes of the game, Liverpool crawled their way back into the game after some regrouping at half-time. The tie seemed all but over with Der BVB comfortably ahead in the game and on aggregate, but the Reds refused to throw in the towel and fought back valiantly.
Four goals in the second stanza turned the match on its head as Anfield erupted in euphoria and oversaw an absolute European classic.
2) Istanbul all over again for Liverpool
Having pulled off an amazing comeback in the second-half after a shambolic opening 45 minutes, it was deja vu for Liverpool as memories of that famous night in Istanbul flashed in front of their eyes.
On 25 May 2005, Liverpool made one of the greatest ever comebacks in European history when they fought back from 3-goals down to level 3-3 and oust AC Milan eventually on penalties to win the Champions League.
That historic night is still very much cherished by one and all at the Kop, and today’s game at Anfield had all the appeal of it.
Three-one down and all hopes lost, the Reds made another memorable comeback to seal an important victory that keeps their hopes of a trophy for the season alive as it was Istanbul all over again at Anfield.
3) Origi continues to repay Klopp’s faith
Jurgen Klopp seems to be smitten by the talent of Divock Origi. The young Belgian international has been thriving under the stewardship of the German, and once again repaid his faith in him with a goal that spurred Liverpool on.
On the fringes at Liverpool up until Brendan Rodgers’ last days at the Kop, Origi has transmogrified himself into one of the most instrumental players under Kloppo. The 20-year-old has now scored for the seventh time under the new manager as he continues to grow in stature at Merseyside.
Liverpool old guard Daniel Sturridge may still be one of the best in England, but his time at Liverpool is under threat.
4) Heart-broken Dortmund can still hold their heads high
Indeed, Borussia Dortmund were left shattered after the massive twist of tale, but for all their brilliant performances through the Europa League campaign, can hold their heads high up.
Der BVB emerged as arguably the strongest contenders for the title in Basel next month after ousting the likes of Porto and Tottenham Hotspur in comprehensive fashion, and also put Liverpool to the sword, only to be denied by a sensational comeback from the Reds.
The defeat has definitely struck a crushing blow to their spirits after such a brilliant run in the competition, but Dortmund deservedly take away all the applause from all quarters for such a dominant show for much of the competition.
5) Everyone should be afraid Liverpool
Not everyone expected Liverpool to progress after getting drawn to the might of Borussia Dortmund in Nyon last month. However, having brushed aside the biggest thorn in their way, Liverpool have made a massive statement of intent.
Whilst their Premier League campaign has blown hot and cold, the League Cup trophy was snatched away from them by Manchester City earlier this year. The Europa League now remains their only chance of silverware this season and the Reds look determined to go all the way.
This game showed Liverpool have belief, hardwork, optimism and enough gall in their tank to surpass any challenge on their way, and not to forget a master tactician orchestrating it from the helm.
Sevilla, Villarreal and Shakhtar Donetsk have been warned.
