Twitter Reacts as Liverpool Defeat Villarreal to Reach Europa League Final

Liverpool welcomed Villarreal to Anfield on Thursday night, hoping to do some damage to the Yellow Submarine. The Reds started the evening 1-0 down in the UEFA Europa League semi-final tie following Adrian's last-gasp heartbreaker at El Madrigal last week, but they certainly created an atmosphere to give them the edge in the second leg from the outset:

"

FORZA LIVERPOOL! #LFCVIL #LFC pic.twitter.com/lDpZkX3cN5

— SCOUSE POWER (@AVANTILIVERPOOL) May 5, 2016"

Reds fans also seemed to be pretty pleased with the attack-focused lineup that manager Jurgen Klopp chose to start:

"

I want Sturridge to score the winner, and celebrate like crazy. I want him at Liverpool forever.

— . (@AnfieldRd96) May 5, 2016"

The pre-match rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" was particularly emotive:

Within seconds of kick-off, Liverpool forced a defensive mix-up from the Spanish visitors. Predictably, goalkeeper Alphonse Areola encouraged some puns:  

"

judging by Areola's short sleeve shirt I guess it's not too nippy at Anfield tonight

— waltc (@MisterRossoneri) May 5, 2016"

After a lively start, Liverpool levelled the tie when Villarreal captain Bruno was forced to put away an own goal:

"

1-0 LIVERPOOOOOOOOL pic.twitter.com/mNdQpLdi6c

— Liverpool Gifs (@LiverpoolGifs) May 5, 2016"

"

when the reds go marching in! pic.twitter.com/fGQqTPgz2C

— Liverpool Gifs (@LiverpoolGifs) May 5, 2016"

"

Sturridge when he plays... pic.twitter.com/vg4QveB2n0

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) May 5, 2016"

As the first half progressed, Liverpool utility man James Milner started trending, mainly because of his set-piece prowess:

Roberto Soldado failed to win any plaudits for his first-half antics:

"

 pic.twitter.com/lUjYGtLXg7

— Liverpool Gifs (@LiverpoolGifs) May 5, 2016"

Over half-time, it was Alberto Moreno's turn to trend:

In the 62nd minute, Liverpool went ahead for the first time in the tie via Daniel Sturridge:

"

2-0 STURRIDGE!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/8m2BKVRjYr

— Liverpool Gifs (@LiverpoolGifs) May 5, 2016"

It got worse for the visitors when Victor Ruiz received his marching orders in the 72nd minute:

"

Villarreal down to ten men and I'm laughing #LIVVIL #LFC #UEL pic.twitter.com/H41bIjgf9j

— Stuart Cox (@scox261) May 5, 2016"

With 10 minutes remaining, Liverpool got their much-needed insurance goal through Adam Lallana:

"

3-0 LALLANA!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/qke7RE50mT

— Liverpool Gifs (@LiverpoolGifs) May 5, 2016"

"

Lallanaaaaaaaa in!!!!! pic.twitter.com/3REp0sIqlI

— Ale Padín (@alepadin) May 5, 2016"

There was nothing but praise for Roberto Firmino as he was substituted:

It finished 2-1 on aggregate to the Reds, giving them safe passage to the final in Basel, where they will face reigning Europa League champions Sevilla:

"

FINAL! pic.twitter.com/X8bhvR4qBU

— Liverpool Gifs (@LiverpoolGifs) May 5, 2016"

[Twitter]