Liverpool romped into the Europa League final with a 3-0 win over Villarreal on another magical night at Anfield to set up a showpiece clash with holders Sevilla who swatted away visiting Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 yesterday.
Five times European champions Liverpool reached a 12th continental final thanks to an own goal from Bruno Soriano and further strikes from Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana to overturn a first-leg deficit and go through 3-1 on aggregate.
Villarreal were largely anonymous throughout and seemed to wilt in the face of a raucous atmosphere and early onslaught by the hosts, while their demise was hastened by a sending off for Victor Ruiz for a second booking after 71 minutes.
It was a superb evening for Sturridge, whose place in the starting lineup had been in doubt after he was left out of key recent fixtures, but he was instrumental in a one-sided victory that prevented Spanish dominance of Europe’s two major finals.
With Real Madrid and city rivals Atletico set to contest the Champions League showpiece, Sevilla ensured there would also be a Spanish team in the continent’s second-tier competition, while staying on course for a record third straight title.
They had Kevin Gameiro to thank for a comfortable 5-3 aggregate win over Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar with the France striker scoring twice and Mariano Ferreira grabbing a third to book Sevilla’s spot in the final in Basel on May 18.
Liverpool were out of the blocks quickly against Villarreal.
The hosts made the breakthrough with their first serious attack seven minutes in. Roberto Firmino’s cross produced panic in Villarreal box and midfielder Bruno diverted the ball into his own net.
Lallana’s first-time clip from James Milner’s through-ball rolled agonisingly wide of one post, Villarreal’s Tomas Pina headed Milner’s corner just wide of the other, while Philippe Coutinho’s effort from distance was deflected wide.
Liverpool were completely dominant but could not press home their advantage initially, and only a weak connection from Cedric Bakambu on the stroke of half-time prevented Mignolet from being extended more than he was.
Coutinho and Milner both tested Areola, as did Sturridge, and after having one angled shot palmed away, he was much more clinical when Firmino popped the ball through a crowd of legs, cleverly staying onside to poke a shot through Areola’s legs just past the hour.
Villarreal’s task was made more difficult when Victor Ruiz was sent off for a second yellow card.
Liverpool wrapped up their win on 81 minutes when Firmino crossed towards Lallana who swivelled to turn the ball home.