On an emotional night at Anfield on Thursday, Liverpool took another significant step to a return to Champions League glory, overturning a 0-1 deficit against Villarreal to thrash them 3-0 and book a spot in the final (highlights above)

Against a team led by a charged-up Jurgen Klopp, who thumped his chest at the warm-up, Villarreal stood no chance. Adding to the atmosphere was a full-throated rendition of the Liverpool anthem You'll Never Walk Alone, sung in honour of the victims of the Hillsborough disaster.

Faced with such an intimidating atmosphere, Villarreal crumbled early as captain Soriano Bruno scored an own goal in the eighth minute to put Liverpool on level terms. It would remain deadlocked for the next 55 minutes, but Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge combined in a fine goal to give Liverpool the advantage.

The night grew worse for the Spaniards as they had Victor Ruiz sent off after a second yellow card. Liverpool captialised on this, again to Firmino, who set up Sturridge again. Sturridge missed, but Adam Lallana added the third, setting off exuberant celebrations at Anfield.

Even Jurgen Klopp, never afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve, thumped the air and showed no restraint in his celebrations. At the post-match conference, the Villareal manager Marcelino commented that he thought Klopp's celebrations were over-the-top. But considering Liverpool are just one victory away from winning the Europa League and making a return to the Champions League, Klopp will not be too bothered.