The home side got off to the perfect start with a goal inside the opening 10 minutes, as Bruno Soriano put through his own net from just a few yards out. Liverpool played at a high intensity throughout the first half and had chances to add to their lead but had to wait until the hour mark to do so—Daniel Sturridge the scorer this time, via the post.
At that point a goal for Villarreal would have sent them to the final on away goals, but Liverpool continued their offensive play and hit a third from close range through Adam Lallana.
Here are all our winners and losers from Anfield as Liverpool sealed passage to the final in Basel.
Daniel Sturridge helped send Liverpool into the UEFA Europa League Final after scoring the pivotal second goal in the Reds' 3-0 win over Villarreal during their semi-final second leg at Anfield on Thursday night.
Sturridge added to a first-half own goal from playmaker Bruno to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit before Adam Lallana sealed things late on to book Liverpool's passage to Basel, Switzerland, to face defending champions Sevilla on May 18.
Lallana's goal came after Villarreal centre-back Victor Ruiz was sent off for receiving a second booking. Even with 11 versus 11, though, the Yellow Submarine were outclassed.
Among the many stellar performances, it was Sturridge who stood out, using his pace and clever movement to constantly torment Villarreal's defence. He offered a reminder of his quality after being left out in the first leg at El Madrigal.
Reds chief Jurgen Klopp brought Sturridge into the lineup to lead the attack this time, while he also welcomed back Emre Can after a lengthy injury, per the club:
Post-Match Reaction
Klopp was left unimpressed by Marcelino's chiding remarks concerning his wild goal celebrations. The German hit back, through Liverpool Echo reporter Andy Kelly:
Marcelino also bemoaned decisions he felt went against his team, particularly when Villarreal were building attacks, per AFP's Tom Williams:
Meanwhile, Sturridge praised the atmosphere at Anfield and delighted in his scoring comeback, in the club:
Liverpool's march to the final is a credit to Klopp, who has now got his squad playing the high-intensity pressing game he loves. It's a style of play sure to make them dangerous in the final, despite Sevilla's pedigree in this competition.
As for Villarreal, losing at a familiar stage doesn't shame their excellent season, one that has seen Marcelino's men qualify for the play-off phase of next season's UEFA Champions League.
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