Super-sub Liverpool cried after reaching the final

After the match at El Madrigal, the cameras turned to Diaz and captured the moment the Colombian striker burst into tears, after Liverpool win against Villarreal to reach the Champions League final.

Luis Diaz cries after reaching the Champions League final

In the first half, Liverpool only had 43% possession, had two shots on target and conceded twice. But the situation changed after Diaz replaced Diogo Jota early in the second half. The away team is constantly pressing Villarrealcontrolled the ball 57%, shot on target 13 times, scoring three goals from Fabinho, Diaz and Sadio Mane.

Besides the 2-2 equalizer, Diaz also owns a series of impressive statistics even though he only kicked 45 minutes, such as the most shots in the match (4), the most successful pass (4), accurate passes 18 out of 20 sugar, reaching the rate of 90%. The 25-year-old striker was thus voted the best player by UEFA.

Former defender Rio Ferdinand praised Diaz for changing the game and taking Liverpool to the Champions League final. He commented on BT Sport: “He came on and was amazing. Diaz dribbled, dribbled, made Villarreal’s defense miserable. Diaz was a fantastic player, and the best signing of the season. Teammates loved Diaz and his energy.”

Meanwhile, Peter Crouch wants Diaz to start in the Champions League final. The former England striker said: “He comes on and energizes the whole team. I spoke to Jurgen Klopp about Diaz, and he said he really likes Diaz’s football. He’s the type of player that can be. It completely changed the game. Going out and playing like the second half, Liverpool deserved to be in the final. Liverpool now have many legendary players, and are on the verge of greatness.”

After moving to Liverpool from Porto for a total of $ 72 million in the January 2022 transfer window, Diaz immediately became a key element in Klopp’s squad, scoring five goals in 21 games in all competitions.

Thanks to Diaz’s brilliant form, Liverpool became the fourth team to reach the 10th European Cup/Champions League final mark, after Real (16), Milan (11) and Bayern (11). This is also the third time in the past five seasons, Liverpool have reached the Champions League final, an achievement no other club has touched. Diaz and his teammates will meet Real or Man City, in the closing match taking place at the Stade de France, Paris, France on May 28.

Hong Duy