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Liverpool finds inspiration at Anfield to book place in Europa League final

Reuters

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expected a completely different game at Anfield, and that's exactly what he got.

Determined to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit, the Reds stormed Villarreal early on Thursday, forcing an own goal from midfielder Bruno within just seven minutes. Daniel Sturridge - who didn't feature at all in the first 90 minutes of the tie - put Liverpool into the lead on aggregate in the 63rd minute, and Adam Lallana nicked a third goal to record a rousing 3-0 victory and secure the club's first appearance in a European final since 2007.

Liverpool will face La Liga side Sevilla for the first time in the Europa League showpiece on May 18.

Klopp decided to keep Sturridge on the bench last week at the Madrigal, but playing the England striker was one of several changes the German made to put more pressure on the Spaniards. Emre Can, who suffered an ankle injury in the dramatic quarter-final comeback against Borussia Dortmund, also returned to feature in the middle of the park.

The two made a huge difference on a night when Liverpool fans created yet another spectacular atmosphere at Anfield, a ground regaining its reputation as one of Europe's finest.

This was the first game there since new inquests into the 1989 Hillsborough tragedy ruled that 96 Liverpool fans were unlawfully killed, and an emotional rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" rang out before the first whistle.

Related: Liverpool fans pack Anfield Road before Europa League kick-off

The energy didn't dissipate - at least for the home side. Can bossed the midfield, where Villarreal looked a little light, while Sturridge found ways to get behind the defenders and dominate the contest. The 26-year-old caused the own goal, scored the second, and supplied the assist for Lallana's insurance marker.

"There will always be ups and downs in football. It is about being prepared to put your body on the line and take chances. It is a great feeling," Sturridge told BT Sport afterwards.

Villarreal had been attempting to reach a first major European final, but a second yellow to defender Victor Ruiz all but ended that ambition.

However, Klopp has given himself a chance of winning a major trophy just seven months into his Liverpool tenure. A win in Basel would also guarantee a Champions League berth in next season's competition.

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