Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona: 3 Tactics from Jurgen Klopp which won Liverpool the game

Liverpool hosted Barcelona in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final in the hope of pulling off the unthinkable. They did exactly that as they won the match 4-0 and finished the tie 4-3 on aggregate. The goals were scored by Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum.

In the first half, Liverpool came out of the blocks quickly and got a 1-0 lead through Origi within the first seven minutes. The Reds were giving nothing away to Barcelona, while the away side was finding life very difficult.

The first half ended 1-0 with Liverpool creating the most chances and Barcelona drawing out some saves from Alisson Becker. The second half of the match belonged to the home side as they were all over Barcelona.

Wijnaldum, the second half substitute, scored early and almost immediately after that, the Dutchman scored his second and Liverpool's third on the night. The fourth goal came from a dreadful mistake from Barcelona's defense as they completely switched off from the corner and Origi scored to complete a stunning come back.

In this piece, we look at the three tactics that won Liverpool the game.

#3 Playing a high line from the start

Liverpool v Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: Second Leg

One of the things that lost Liverpool the last game against Barcelona was their high line but this time, Liverpool came out with that same tactic and made Barcelona's attack look lackluster.

It was very brave from Klopp to play such a high line as Barcelona's attack can score anytime on the counter but such was the all-round brilliance of Liverpool's defense that they never let the Blaugrana go on the front foot.

That high line enabled Liverpool to have more of the ball and press Barcelona from the front. Klopp's tactic controlled the game, limited the Spanish champions and it clearly paid off.

#2 Bringing on Georginio Wijnaldum and playing him as the number 10

If there was a time for Jurgen Klopp to make an inspirational substitution, it was against Barcelona and he did that when he brought on Wijnaldum for the injured Andrew Robertson and shifted James Milner to left-back.

What was notable from that substitution was the fact that Wijnaldum was virtually playing as a number 10, just behind Origi. The Dutchman was able to make his way into the box with every given opportunity. Wijnaldum scored two goals very important goals and perhaps, he was the difference between Liverpool losing the tie and winning it.

His first goal was a classic midfielder's run into the box and finish, while his second was a proper striker's header. The Dutchman also defended valiantly late into the match and Wijnaldum proved again why he has been one of the best midfielders in the world this season.

#1 Heavy Metal football

What we saw from Liverpool was Jurgen Klopp's style of play at its best. It is also known as heavy metal football. This Liverpool win was more about heart, passion, and spirit, something we can visibly see in Klopp.

The Reds gave their all on that field and every Liverpool fan can be proud of them. They won every loose ball, ran for every long ball, closed down every Barcelona player and never let the Blaugrana settle into the game.

Liverpool's pressing was a delight to watch and that pressing gave them the goals they needed on the day. They were making mistakes happen out of that Barcelona team and it felt like the Blaugrana were almost intimidated by Liverpool.

Right now, the German manager has given Liverpool an identity, a style of play they are known for and that is what was expected of him. This comeback was another example of why this Liverpool team is very, very special.