Liverpool completed one of the most stunning European comebacks in recent history to record a scarcely-believable 5-4 aggregate win over Jurgen Klopp’s former side, Borussia Dortmund.
2-0 down in under ten minutes, our chances of making the semis looked bleak. They looked even worse with 30 mins to go as Marco Reus made it 3-1 on the night. However, up stepped Phil Coutinho, Mamadou Sakho, and Dejan Lovren to send the Kop into delirium and the Germans into tears.
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It’s tempting to give every player a 10/10, but we won’t. Here’s our attempt at rating the players’ individual performances. (Warning: We’re still on an emotional high – accuracy cannot be guaranteed!).
GK: Simon Mignolet – 7/10
Mignolet was unable to do anything to prevent Dortmund’s three goals – and was actually very unlucky not keep out Mkhitaryan’s opener.
LB: Alberto Moreno – 6.5/10
A mix up between him and Coutinho led to their opener, and was out of position for their second. Improved considerably as the game wore on.
CB: Mamadou Sakho – 8.5/10
Yes, he was awful in the opening ten minutes – but the guy scored a massive goal. From a corner. In front of The Kop. Enough said.
CB: Dejan Lovren – 9/10
How can you not give the match winner a high score? Redemption for his penalty miss vs Besiktas last season. Out of place for their second goal.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne – 7.5/10
Not his best performance, but did what was asked of him, especially in the second half.
CM: James Milner – 8.5/10
Overrun in the first half through no fault of his own. Once Joe Allen came on he went wide and looked more relaxed. Supplied two assists and was all over the pitch in the crucial last twenty minutes.
CM: Emre Can – 8/10
Our best player during that dismal opening half an hour. Was forced off with an injury and replaced by Lucas (didn’t stop him jumping into The Kop to celebrate though!)
AML: Philippe Coutinho – 8.5/10
Not at the races in the first half, but his goal in the 66th minute was the one that started it all. Not at his best, but like the game against Man Utd, he produced when it mattered most.
AMC: Roberto Firmino – 6.5/10
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but we probably should have started Sturridge instead. Quiet throughout.
AMR: Adam Lallana – 7/10
Worked hard, but struggled to get in the game. His unfortunate air-shot in the first half looked like it was going to be the story of our night at one point.
ST: Divock Origi – 9/10
He’d already given Dortmund a couple of scares in the first half, and took his goal beautifully. Pace, power, trickery, and footwork. We’ve got a player.
SUBS:
Min 62. Joe Allen – 9/10
What more does wee Joe Allen have to do to prove to Klopp that he deserves to stay? We looked so much more calm and composed in the middle once he came on. Undoubtedly should have started.
Min 62. Daniel Sturridge – 8.5/10
Another player who should have started. His run and touch led to Lovren’s winner. Frankly, we’d have forgiven him if he’d spent the rest of the match sitting in the centre circle after that moment of magic.
Min 80. Lucas – 7/10
Replaced the injured Emre Can. Broke up attacks and got stuck in – we can’t ask for more.