Champions League Classics #4: Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona

 UCL CLASSICS: LIVERPOOL 4-0 BARCELONA

Picture Above: Liverpool players swarming around Divock Origi as he scores Liverpool's fourth goal to complete their miracle comeback

7th May 2019

Anfield, Liverpool, England

 Pre Match:

As we have seen over the years, Anfield has been the venue of some of the greatest nights in Champions League history. From big wins to late winners sealing comebacks, Anfield is arguably the best venue in England and even Europe as a whole. However, this night was like no other. This night in Merseyside might go down as one of the greatest and most memorable nights ever graced among Liverpool supporters. In terms of the tie, Liverpool were in need of a desperate comeback, needing to reduce a 3 goal deficit, as Barca managed to grab a resounding 3-0 win in Catalonia, to put the one foot into the final in Madrid. However, as we've seen in previous seasons, anything can happen in the Champions League. This take would be a little hard for Liverpool, as they were without their attacking stars Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, making scoring chances a little harder, meaning they had to make do with Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri. 

Match: 

Within just 7 minutes into the game, Liverpool had already found their first goal in Origi. The replacement striker was already up and running for Liverpool. After a shot from Jordan Henderson was saved by Ter Stegen of Barcelona, Origi timed his run well and struck the ball into an open net to make it 3-1 on aggregate with hope reinstalled into Liverpool. Despite conceding early, Barcelona wouldn't give up so easily. Since Origi's goal, Barca's attacking numbers have increased, with most of the chances created by captain, Lionel Messi, but each one of the chances met the hands of Alisson Becker. Unfortunately, that would be all for the first half, but there would be more to come in the second half. Georginio Wijnaldum was subbed on before the second half started, and little did anyone in Anfield know on what a difference he would make in this tie. Within 10 minutes of coming on, Wijnaldum just narrowly managed to tuck his shot past Ter Stegen and make it 2-0 to Liverpool, and 3-2 on aggregate. Only 2 minutes later, and Liverpool's night would get even better. As Shaqiri floated in a beatiful cross, Wijnaldum's head was there to thump it into the back of the net. Just like that, the comeback was complete; however, Liverpool weren't done just yet. Barca worked hard to find the goal, but Alisson was just too good that night. In the 79th minute, Trent Alexander Arnold did some brilliant thinking from the corner, by walking away catching Barca cold. Divock Origi was there to thump it past Ter Stegen, and for the first time, to put Liverpool ahead in the tie. Thankfully for the home supporters, it was enough to win the tie for them. This meant that Liverpool have completeted one of the greatest Champions League comebacks once again, and were the first team into the final in Madrid. In June 2019, No.6 came to Anfield as goals from Mohamed Salah and Divock Origi handed Liverpool their first Champions League trophy in 14 years. It was the first trophy under Jurgen Klopp's reign at Liverpool and their first major trophy win since 2012. 

Match Round Up:

Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona 

D. Origi 7', 79'

G. Wijnaldum 54', 56' 

Starting Line-ups: 

Liverpool (4) :                                                            Barcelona (0) :

GK: Alisson Becker (#13)                                         GK: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen (#1)

LB: Andrew Robertson (#26)                                   LB: Jordi Alba (#18)

CB: Virgil van Dijk (#4)                                            CB: Gerard Pique (#3)

CB: Joel Matip (#32)                                                 CB: Clement Lenglet (#15)

RB: Trent Alexander Arnold (#66)                           RB: Sergi Roberto (#20)

CM: James Milner (#7)                                             LM: Philippe Coutinho (#7)

CM: Fabinho (#3)                                                      CM: Ivan Ratkitic (#4)

CM: Jordan Henderson (#14)                                   CM: Sergio Busquetes (#5)

LW: Sadio Mane (#10)                                               RM: Arturo Vidal (#22)

ST: Divock Origi (#27)                                               ST: Luis Suraez (#9)

RW: Xherdan Shaqiri (#23)                                       ST: Lionel Messi (#10)