Liverpool 4-3 Borussia Dortmund: Five talking points from Anfield

By Nick Wright and George Cooper

Image: Jurgen Klopp celebrates with goalscorer Dejan Lovren after the final whistle

Liverpool staged one of the greatest comebacks in European history to overcome Jurgen Klopp's old side Borussia Dortmund and reach the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Dejan Lovren headed the decisive goal in injury-time as Liverpool fought back from 3-1 down to claim a stunning 4-3 win on the night and complete a 5-4 aggregate victory.

From Liverpool's unlikely heroes to another eye-catching display from Divock Origi, we reflect on the talking points from an astonishing night on Merseyside...

Liverpool complete famous comeback

Image: Lovren rises highest to head home James Milner's cross

Liverpool's epic comeback evoked memories of Istanbul, and the scenes of celebration that greeted the final whistle will live long in the memory. Klopp's men looked dead and buried when Marco Reus put Dortmund 3-1 up in the 57th minute, but their belief never wavered, and when Philippe Coutinho pulled one back, the momentum swung in their favour.

Advertisement

Suddenly, Liverpool had the upper hand as they poured forward in front of the Kop, and the equalising goal came when the unmarked Mamadou Sakho headed James Milner's corner beyond Roman Weidenfeller from close range.

Lovren looked like he had spurned Liverpool's last chance when he volleyed wastefully over, but redemption arrived in the second minute of stoppage time. Daniel Sturridge and Milner cleverly combined on the right-hand side, and when the latter chipped an inviting cross to the far post, Lovren was there to send Liverpool into the semi-finals.

Also See:

Sakho and Lovren the heroes

Image: Mamadou Sakho scored Liverpool's third goal at Anfield

No two Liverpool players were more important to their success over the two legs than their central defenders. The much-maligned duo produced outstanding performances as the Reds stood firm in the Westfalenstadion last week, and back at Anfield they took centre stage with the decisive goals.

Their heroics came after a difficult first half in which they struggled to cope with the speed and movement of Dortmund quartet Marco Reus, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Shinji Kagawa and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Liverpool's back four was horribly exposed for all three of Dortmund's goals, but it is a credit to Sakho and Lovren's character that they regained their poise in the closing stages as Liverpool overcame what looked like insurmountable odds.

Origi impresses again

Image: Lovren's goal sparked wild celebrations in front of the Kop

After three goals in two games against Dortmund and Stoke City last week, Divock Origi delivered another eye-catching performance at the tip of Liverpool's attack. The in-form 20-year-old's selection left the more experienced Sturridge kicking his heels on the bench, but he rewarded his manager's faith in style.

The Belgian held the ball up well and produced plenty of dangerous movement throughout the 90 minutes, and he took his goal brilliantly as he latched on to Emre Can's through ball and poked a cool finish through the legs of Weidenfeller.

Origi's confidence was illustrated by the fact that he attempted more shots (six) than any other player on the pitch, and on this evidence, he is likely to play a key role in Liverpool's bid to lift the trophy.

Substitutes make the difference

Image: Gonzalo Castro and Emre Can do battle

Klopp pulled off a masterstroke with his 62nd-minute double substitution, bringing on Joe Allen and Sturridge just when it seemed Reus's strike had taken the tie away from Liverpool.

Allen may be a squad player at Anfield but his range of passing and ability to dictate the pace of a game in midfield make him an undervalued player, and his introduction against Dortmund immediately gave Liverpool more control.

Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel's decision to take off the outstanding Reus seven minutes from time will be remembered as another turning point that contributed to the chaos that ensued. Adrian Ramos, his replacement, was beaten at the back post by Lovren for Liverpool's winner.

Future bright under Klopp

Image: Klopp urges his Liverpool players on from the sidelines

Klopp's substitutions paid off in style, but it is his ability to motivate his players that really sets him apart. Liverpool were in a dreadful position when they went into the break at 2-0 down, but with their manager's advice ringing in their ears, they emerged for the second half in the mood for a fight.

Origi pulled one back less than three minutes after the game restarted, and with Klopp frantically gesticulating on the sidelines, they were rewarded for maintaining their intensity right to the death.

Klopp has already formed a special connection with Liverpool's supporters, there are plenty of positive signs on the pitch, and this incredible victory ensures he may yet finish his first season with silverware - something his predecessor Brendan Rodgers never managed.

Outbrain