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Barcelona traveled to Anfield for the 2nd leg of the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, leading 3-0 on aggregate. The second-leg ended 4-0 in the home side's favor and they qualified with 4-3 on aggregate. For Liverpool, the goals were scored by Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum.
In the first half, Liverpool started the game with urgency and determination. They were pressing Barcelona high and winning almost every second ball. They got the early goal that was required with Origi scored with a tap in after Jordan Henderson's shot rebounded of Marc Andre Ter-Stegan.
Barcelona found it hard to play from the back but they grew into the game and started showing more authority. They had their chances as Alisson Becker was brought into two saves by Lionel Messi and Phillipe Coutinho. The first half ended with the match in balance and everything to play for, but Liverpool led 1-0.
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In the second-half, Liverpool seemed dangerous as they hunted down every second ball. Substitute Wijnaldum, who came on for the injured Andy Robertson, scored two goals in quick succession and made it 3-0 for his side.
The fourth goal was scored by Origi after some dreadful defending from Barcelona from the corner. In the end, we witnessed a great Champions League comeback and in this slideshow, we take a look at the three tactics which cost Barcelona the game.
#3 Not pressing Liverpool in their own half
One of biggest faults from Barcelona on the night was giving Liverpool too much respect and space. They allowed the Reds to keep the possession even after going 1-0 or 2-0 down. Being 3-0 up from the first leg, it is understandable that Barcelona have a considerable lead and would rather defend. However, even after Liverpool made it 3-0 at home, Barcelona weren't pressing them enough.
They were letting Liverpool keep the possession and that really led to their downfall on the day. One can understand pragmatism to a certain extent but Barcelona isn't a team low on quality and they should have challenged Liverpool even more. However, the Spanish side failed to do that and allowed Liverpool to get back into the race to qualify for the finals.
#2 Not starting Nelson Semedo with Sergi Roberto
In the first leg, it was clear that Sadio Mane was making life difficult for Sergi Roberto on the flank but as soon as Valverde brought Semedo on, Mane's pace was completely neutralized.
It appeared obvious that both Semedo and Roberto should start together in order to cope with Liverpool's attacks, but that did not happen. In addition, playing the duo of Semedo and Roberto could have allowed Barcelona much more numbers in the midfield and maybe much more control on the game.
Semedo came on late in the second half, when Liverpool made it 3-3 on aggregate. As soon as he came on, Mane was finding it hard to get past him. That change should have been done earlier but that wasn't the case and Mane just bullied Roberto for most parts of the game, especially in the first half.
#1 Trying to play their way out of Liverpool's Gegenpress
At the start of the match, Liverpool were pressing very high and causing the away side problems but still, Barcelona were trying to play out from the back. Even after Liverpool got their first goal from a Barcelona mistake, the away side didn't learn their lesson and continued their stubborn style.
That tactic cost them dearly in the second half as another Barcelona mistake caused by their playing out from the back policy. Alexander-Arnold was allowed space to cross in and he found Wijnaldum who smacked it in to make it 2-0.
Barcelona were only inviting pressure by trying to play out their way from the Gegenpressing as it is famously known. Jurgen Klopp bases his football on never giving up and chasing every lost cause and Barcelona would have been benefited if they tried to clear their lines more often than playing their way out.
