Liverpool topples Roma to book Champions League final date

Liverpool's stunning campaign is set for a momentous finale in the Ukrainian capital.

Real Madrid's Champions League final foe is set, with Liverpool advancing to the last stage for the first time since 2007 after seeing off Roma 7-6 on aggregate Wednesday at the Stadio Olimpico.

Sadio Mane and Georginio Wijnaldum scored first-half markers to sandwich James Milner's comical own goal, handing the host a massive four-goal aggregate deficit heading into the interval.

Edin Dzeko cut into that advantage minutes after the break when Stephan El Shaarawy's shot was parried into the Bosnian's path by Loris Karius, leaving the man who has scored in five Champions League matches on the bounce a straightforward finish.

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Roma had plenty of chances and may feel aggrieved that a pair of calls after the break didn't go its way. Dzeko was hauled down in the area before wrongly being ruled offside and El Shaarawy had a shot on target thwarted by Trent Alexander-Arnold's arm.

There was shambolic defending aplenty from both sides, especially in the second half from Liverpool, when Roma's wastefulness flattered the likes of Dejan Lovren and Alexander-Arnold. An attempt to take the sting out of the match didn't suit Liverpool's ethos, and Radja Nainggolan's late consolation goal was a product of an open match that was at times low on skill. The Belgian then thumped a spot kick home moments later after Ragnar Klavan handled the ball in the area.

In the end, it was enough, as the Reds advance to a second continental final in three years after tasting defeat in the 2015-16 Europa League final against Sevilla. For those who fancy the context of history, the last time Real Madrid lost a European final was in 1981, when Los Blancos fell 1-0 to Liverpool in the European Cup final.