Liverpool vs. Villarreal: Score and Reaction from 2016 Europa League, Leg 2

Daniel Sturridge helped send Liverpool into the UEFA Europa League Final after scoring the pivotal second goal in the Reds’ 3-0 win over Villarreal during their semi-final second leg at Anfield on Thursday night.

Sturridge added to a first-half own goal from playmaker Bruno to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit before Adam Lallana sealed things late on to book Liverpool’s passage to Basel, Switzerland, to face two-time winners and defending champions Sevilla on May 18.

Lallana’s goal came after Villarreal centre-back Victor Ruiz was sent off for receiving a second booking. Even with 11 versus 11, though, the Yellow Submarine were outclassed.

Among the many stellar performances, it was Sturridge who really stood out, using his pace and clever movement to constantly torment Villarreal’s defence. He offered a reminder of his quality after being left out in the first leg at El Madrigal.

Reds chief Jurgen Klopp brought Sturridge into the lineup to lead the attack this time, while he also welcomed back Emre Can after a lengthy injury, per the club:

The #LFC starting line-up and bench for tonight’s meeting with @VillarrealCF in full pic.twitter.com/dDd1Vsf3Xc

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 5, 2016

Villarreal manager Marcelino shook up the starting XI with a key change at the back. He swapped goalkeepers, bringing in Alphonse Areola at the expense of Sergio Asenjo, per the club:

75 minutos | Ya tenemos el once confirmado, estos son los once jugadores elegidos para enfrentarse al @LFC. pic.twitter.com/lhCivREcZv

— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) 5 May 2016

It was a decision Marcelino would come to regret.

The game started at …

continue reading in source www.bleacherreport.com