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Divock Origi, playing in the absence of Firmino, gave them the lead in the 7th minute to spark hope. Barcelona, however, contained the Reds for the rest of the half, and had chances of their own, but the Liverpool backline stood firm.
Half-time brought another setback to Liverpool as high-flying left-back Andy Robertson limped off due to injury and Gini Wijnaldum was brought in to replace him, thereby shifting James Milner to left-back - something the club needs to break EPL Transfer News Headlines for, if they wish to build upon their successful run this season. This change in personnel and tactics worked wonders as the Dutchman scored twice in 3 minutes to level the score on aggregate before half-time.
Ironically, both of Wijnaldum’s goals came in the 54th and 56th minutes, the same time as the first two goals Liverpool scored against Milan in 2005. The game was on a knife’s edge as a Barcelona goal would have meant Liverpool needing to score 2 goals while a Liverpool goal would have got them through.
The crucial breakthrough came in favour of the home team and through a smart play by Scouser Trent Alexander-Arnold. After winning a corner in the 79th, the 20-year-old caught the Barcelona defence off-guard by playing in a quick corner. Only Origi was aware of the smart play by the youngster as the Barca keeper and defenders were busy setting themselves up to defend the corner.
Alexander-Arnold whizzed a low cross into the box for the waiting Belgian to put the ball into the top corner and send the Liverpool fans into delirium as they led Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate. The final 10 minutes were uneventful as the club booked their spot in the Champions League final for the second season in a row.
The scenes at the final whistle were a sight to behold as it showed the unity between the players and the supporters. They sang together and reveled in the atmosphere for nearly an hour to celebrate, possibly, the greatest night at Anfield.
What has remained constant throughout the Reds has been the loyalty and the family-esque feel around Liverpool. It’s not just the fans, but also Carlsberg’s support for Liverpool that has stood the test of time, establishing the longest association in football – since 1992.
Carlsberg has seen all the ups and downs that Liverpool has endured over the last 26+ years and been a constant partner of the Merseyside club. To celebrate the 26-year anniversary, they’ve even gone ‘All Red’ for the Reds.
They’ve brewed an All Red beer specially for Liverpool fans to celebrate the club’s association with Red and the long-standing association. The limited-edition beer - named Red Barley – was launched at Anfield ahead of Liverpool FC’s Premier League match with Huddersfield Town on Friday 26 April before being shared with Liverpool fans across the world.
With this move, Carlsberg has ensured that Liverpool’s slogan, “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, is embodied by not just the supporters or the players of the club, but also the sponsors!
