Liverpool’s defensive frailties let Sevilla come back from three down

Liverpool owed Sevilla for defeat in the 2016 Europa League final according to Jürgen Klopp. Instead, they were transported back to Basel as another astonishing second-half recovery from his Spanish nemesis cancelled out a three-goal interval lead and denied Liverpool qualification for the knock-out phase of the Champions League.

Seven times Klopp has faced Sevilla as manager of Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and now Liverpool and he has yet to taste victory. He may never get a better opportunity. Liverpool were rampant, clinical and formidable in a first half that brought two goals for Roberto Firmino, one for Sadio Mané and looked certain to devastate Sevilla’s proud 12-month unbeaten home record. But the tables were turned dramatically after the interval and a equaliser three minutes into added time from Guido Pizarro ensured qualification will go to the final game for Liverpool.

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