From minute one it was calm versus chaos. Orchestrated madness against unbridled mayhem. Liverpool looked lively, Barcelona burdened.
A night deserving of a competition that continues to deliver over and over again. Bright lights, great nights. It doesn't get much bigger than this.
By half-time it was 1-0, come the hour mark it was two. Georginio Wijnaldum's double plunged Barcelona into a world of disarray. The dread was undeniable.
The winner epitomised it all. Rapid yet simultaneously relaxed. Divock Origi, calm in the middle of the box and the storm. He exchanged a glance with Trent Alexander-Arnold and that was all it took.
LIVERPOOL 4-0 BARCELONA. ?
Divock Origi LOVES a BIG BIG goal! ?
Trent Alexander-Arnold with a piece of GENIUS! ?#LIVBAR #UCL #VMSport pic.twitter.com/fRO3IYrTWW
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) May 7, 2019
A moment of magic that the Champions League demands. For the second year in a row, Barcelona bow out after a collapse.
Speaking before the game, Arnold stressed the opportunity that lay ahead for his side: "If we do overturn the deficit tomorrow, whoever scores, their name will always be remembered."
Just 20-years-old, but an alertness and intelligence beyond his years. He wasn't wrong, he created the chance when it came, Origi took it.
