In yet another match for the ages, Liverpool unquestioningly pulled off the most dramatic and extraordinary victory in the Jurgen Klopp era and maybe in the history of the Europa League.
Coming back from being down 3-1 in the final 25 minutes, the Reds stormed back for a 4-3 victory over Borussia Dortmund at Anfield.
This match will be mentioned forevermore with some of the club’s classics of European football. It was something truly special.
Having drawn the first leg at the Westfalenstadion, Liverpool could not have started this match more poorly. Inside the first 10 minutes, Borussia Dortmund pounced on errors with lightning pace and opened a two-goal lead, piling the pressure on the Merseysiders.
Yet, this Klopp side showed the old Klopp side just how much has changed since his arrival. At no point did heads drop. To the contrary, the Reds set about grinding and grafting to create chances to claw back into the contest. Still, they entered half-time without a goal.
Three minutes after the break Divock Origi drew Liverpool back one with another fine finish. Even after Marco Reus scored Dortmund’s third goal, Reds, both on the field and in the stands, refused to give up and summoned the spirit their manager has been conjuring since his arrival.
Swapping Daniel Sturridge and Joe Allen for Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana immediately sparked go-for-broke results, with Liverpool pouring forward at every opportunity. Philippe Coutinho scored a second and the hope surged through the stadium.
With 13 minutes to go, Mamadou Sakho finally made good on the corners Liverpool tallied, drawing level but needing to win to advance. Then Dejan Lovren headed home the dramatic stoppage time goal to seal the win.
Of course, there will be references to Istanbul but this was no final. It was, however, a midweek marvel, unlike anything Anfield has seen in some time, if ever.
Here are four findings from the match.
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