Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has reacted to Liverpool's dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Villarreal in the second-leg of their Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday, May 3. A 5-2 aggregate win saw them reach the final of the UEFA Champions League.
Having been 2-0 up in the tie from the first-leg at Anfield, many were anticipating the Reds to coast through and easily dispatch Unai Emery's side at El Madrigal.
Villarreal were not willing to leave with a fight but although they leveled matters in the first-half, Liverpool's world-class squad was just too much to contend with.
Ferdinand has praised the Reds for their relentlessness in what could have been a different result if Klopp's men's nerves from the first-half had persisted.
He told BT Sport (via TheSportReview):
“That was an opportunity missed for Villarreal. Firstly, congratulations to Liverpool. Deserved winners in the end."
Ferdinand continued:
“They were on the ropes but they were allowed to get themselves together at half-time. Liverpool smelt blood, and credit to them, they were fantastic. Once they got their noses in front again, they demolished this Villarreal team.”
Jurgen Klopp's side will now face either Real Madrid or Manchester City in the final in Paris on May 28.
City currently have a 4-3 lead over Los Blancos as they head to the Santiago Bernabeu for a huge second-leg encounter on Wednesday, May 4.
An unprecedented quadruple is still up for grabs for Klopp's men, having already wrapped up the Carabao Cup in February.
Liverpool's second-half blitz breaks Villarreal hearts
Villarreal took an early lead through Boulaye Dia in the third minute before Francis Coquelin equalled the tie 2-2 on aggregate in the 41st minute.
Jurgen Klopp must have got into his players at half-time as they came out like a side possessed in the second-half and finally scored a vital goal through Fabinho in the 62nd minute.
Luis Diaz, who was surprisingly not in the starting XI, came on at half-time and did further damage with a well-taken finish in the 67th minute.
Sadio Mane ended matters as Gerónimo Rulli had came racing out of his goal and the Yellow Submarine were left in despair when the Senegalese striker scored into an open net.
It was a night to forget for Rulli but certainly not for the Anfield faithful as their team reached a 10th Champions League final.
IAMJUNGKOOK
1
are still saying something.. never ever write Madrid off...
I am very happy oil city FC is out
Kunlespur2
0
may be the best league. but Madrid will remain the best club in the world
Your own choice
RaghibMustafa
0
Why would English pundit talk about la logs. They’re paid to be make commentaries on EPL not la liga. EPL???? Best league in the world and you know that already.
may be the best league. but Madrid will remain the best club in the world
RaghibMustafa
0
then show us by knocking out city
are still saying something.. never ever write Madrid off...
BlueBlackSnake
0
epl with all their noise has only 13ucl....la Liga has 18 ucl... Madrid alone has 13
So what? If Real Madrid is good, that doesn’t mean all other teams in La Liga are also good. La Liga is a three horse race, always has been
Niccdlmsu
0
Liverpool we sey
I don’t care who win it between us we are both the best for now so no comment
Nunbknoru
0
Let’s show them how England run the show
yes so true
AbdulZaks008
0
We are in for This Day. We Will Fight with Our Last Breath. ynwa
[image]
Van Dijk paying tribute to Firmino in teammates celebration 🤣
mieklpy
0
Because the premier league is the best league in the world
epl with all their noise has only 13ucl....la Liga has 18 ucl... Madrid alone has 13
kukdknoyz
0
Rio Ferdinand was a brilliant defender and he is a brilliant football pundit. Well Done Rio, you talk sense all the time.
Kunlespur2
0
accepted the EPL is most competitive league but the pundits always overhyped their players which is not right..
That’s their job…if you understand Spanish that’s how their pundits operates too. It’s their job to promote their league and their players.
RaghibMustafa
0
then show us by knocking out city
in shaa Allah we try our best to overcome city..
RaghibMustafa
0
Why would English pundit talk about la logs. They’re paid to be make commentaries on EPL not la liga. EPL???? Best league in the world and you know that already.
accepted the EPL is most competitive league but the pundits always overhyped their players which is not right..
kusamoprty
0
Can he come back and explain himself??
kusamoprty
0
Please, can I hear from the guy who was saying VLR is going knockout Lipool with his plenty of explanations yesterday??
Kunlespur2
0
this English pundits always overhyped EPL and doesn't care or praise any other league team or player. so biases Ferdinand Owen Keane carragher etc...
Why would English pundit talk about la logs. They’re paid to be make commentaries on EPL not la liga. EPL???? Best league in the world and you know that already.
IAMJUNGKOOK
2
What a reply mate!!! I love that simple sentence. "show what Spain got against city if u dare"
I sincerely want a liverpool vs Madrid final
Neefehmie99
1
We are in for This Day. We Will Fight with Our Last Breath. ynwa
Bitbdilotu
2
It is alarming to opponent when Diaz starts in 2nd half coz he is fresh and no one can hold on him
Niccdlmsu
0
Liverpool we sey
Let’s show them how England run the show
feaclmrst
0
then show us by knocking out city
What a reply mate!!! I love that simple sentence. "show what Spain got against city if u dare"
IAMJUNGKOOK
2
this English pundits always overhyped EPL and doesn't care or praise any other league team or player. so biases Ferdinand Owen Keane carragher etc...
then show us by knocking out city
Nunbknoru
0
Man United Fan : it doesnt matter we turn to support Liverpool because we are the same colour....The Red
respect manu fans every time
Nunbknoru
4
Liverpool we sey
DamehiRymbai
1
it not just a praise it facts
wuyclmnpz
5
Man United Fan : it doesnt matter we turn to support Liverpool because we are the same colour....The Red
BlueBlackSnake
0
this English pundits always overhyped EPL and doesn't care or praise any other league team or player. so biases Ferdinand Owen Keane carragher etc...
Because the premier league is the best league in the world
BlueBlackSnake
6
Seems like he turned into a Reds fan 😂
RaghibMustafa
1
this English pundits always overhyped EPL and doesn't care or praise any other league team or player. so biases Ferdinand Owen Keane carragher etc...