Jurgen Klopp and Mohamed Salah have revealed who they would like to face in the UEFA Champions League final after Liverpool overcame their fears of relegation at Villarreal’s expense.
Klopp’s side came into the second leg on Tuesday with two goals, but that was completed within 40 minutes of the first half as the Yellow Submarine returned home – despite being assisted by Liverpool’s defense.
Boulaye Dia opened the scoring within three minutes and Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin made it 2-0 before half-time, leaving the Reds’ hopes remaining.
However, the break from winger Luis Diaz changed the game and the visitors also benefited from three bad mistakes by Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli as they turned the game around in the second half, returning their favor by beating Fabinho, Diaz, and Sadio Mane.
The 5-2 aggregate victory means Liverpool have the right to face either Manchester City or Real Madrid in the Champions League final in Paris on May 28.
Speaking to BT Sport after the full-time whistle, Klopp and talismanic striker Salah had differing views on their opponents who had preferred the tournament in the French capital.
“Yeah, I’ll watch it [another semi-final],” Klopp said. “Whoever it is, it will be great.
“I do not wish for one or the other. The winner will qualify and we will face each other in Paris.”
However, it seems Salah is determined to take revenge after a tragic injury and was forced out after being challenged by then Real captain Sergio Ramos as Merseysider crosses Los Blancos in 2018 final.
“I want to play for Real Madrid,” he said. “I have to be honest. If you ask me personally, I want to play for Madrid.”
Man City are currently 4-3 on aggregate, with two European bulls facing the Bernabeu on Wednesday night.
