FOOTBALL
Liverpool down Villarreal in five goal thriller
Liverpool booked their third Champions League final in five seasons after a 3-2 win in Villarreal saw them progress 5-2 on aggregate.
Villarreal were not ready to throw in the towel.
In fact, they were hoping to become just the second side to overturn a two-goal first-leg deficit in a semi-final, after Liverpool’s famous comeback from 3-0 down against Barcelona in 2019.
And it looked like they would succeed!
Boosted by the return of striker Gerard Moreno, Villarreal were aggressive and direct.
Liverpool were overwhelmed by the sheer intensity and energy of the Yellow Submarine.
The LaLiga side, conquerors of Juventus and Bayern Munich, did not manage a shot on target at Anfield last week but scored with their first here in only the third minute.
Pervis Estupinan’s cross was met at the far post by Capoue, whose mis-hit shot found Dia to score into an unguarded net.
They were lucky to escape conceding a penalty.
Keita’s misplaced back-pass went straight to Moreno who set up Giovani Lo Celso but he ran the ball too close to Alisson.
The goalkeeper was given the benefit of the doubt as the ball hit him just before the player went over him.
However Villarreal were not to be denied as the second goal came four minutes from the interval.
Capoue’s inviting cross to the far post was met by Coquelin, who out-jumped Alexander-Arnold to float a header into the top corner.
Luis Diaz the game-changer
The half-time introduction of £37.5million January signing Luis Diaz changed the game.
Swapping Diaz for Jota for the second half made an immediate improvement, allowing Mane to play centrally where he has done well recently.
Luis Diaz. That is all. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/HkksE2nSBO
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 3, 2022
Liverpool started to build pressure.
Alexander-Arnold had a long-range shot deflected onto the crossbar while Diaz acrobatically volleyed wide from Mane’s cross.
It finally told in the 62nd minute when Salah slid in Fabinho and his low, angled drive went through goalkeeper Rulli at his near post.
FAAAABBBBBBBBB!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/Nv3I4fz5lU
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 3, 2022
The two-goal cushion was restored five minutes later.
Diaz sent a thunderous downward header via a left-footed Alexander-Arnold cross which was Rulli couldn’t stop entering the net.
Rulli wasn’t done yet.
When he charged 20 yards outside his area to meet the onrushing Mane, the Senegal international side-stepped him, took the ball wider to avoid defender Foyth’s tackle before rolling the ball into an open goal.
Capoue sent off
Villarreal’s misery was completed when Etienne Capoue was sent off for a second yellow card for a foul on Curtis Jones late on.
As a result, Liverpool are into a third final of the season, having won the Carabao Cup and facing Chelsea in the FA Cup a week on Saturday.
This victory means they will have played every game available to them in their fixture calendar.
The relentless pursuit of a quadruple – and a seventh European Cup – rolls on.
The other spot in the Champions League final will be decided on Wednesday when Manchester City and Real Madrid play the second leg of the other semifinal.
Last week, City won 4-3 in the highest scoring Champions League semifinal match ever.
The final is scheduled for May 28 and will be played in Saint-Denis, France.
FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.
Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.
The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!
FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.
The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.
FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.
FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!
Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.
The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.
Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.
Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.
This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.
Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.
Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.
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