Just to forewarn you, my head’s a mess after that. Don’t expect any tactical insight or ratings that in any way reflect each player’s performance.
I’m typing this about an hour after Dejan Lovren’s header, and my pulse rate still hasn’t returned to any kind of regularity.
You’ll have to bear with me.
What a turnaround it has been for Lovren. And it is no more than he deserves. It was his penalty that ended up in Row Z in Istanbul last year as the Reds crashed out, but tonight it was his header that completed a comeback that brought back memories of happier times in the most populous city in Turkey.
(Spoiler alert: he’s getting a 10.)
Dortmund were absolutely sensational first ten minutes. Fair play to them. But those behind the Kop for the second 45 minutes will never forget what they witnessed there, and nor should they.
It may be the Europa League, and not the continent’s premier competition, but forget that – this is still one of Anfield’s greatest ever European nights.
So then, player ratings:
