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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Tom Cavilla

Why Fabinho and Thiago were held back after Liverpool Champions League win over Villarreal

Liverpool's midfield trio of Fabinho, Naby Keita and Thiago has worked to great effect in recent weeks for Jurgen Klopp.

For 45 minutes against Villarreal, however, the Reds' midfield was completely outfought as Unai Emery's side took a 2-0 lead into half-time. In what can only be described as an uncharacteristically poor half, goals from Boulaye Dia and Francis Coquelin saw the Yellow Submarine turn the tie on its head to leave the visitors stunned.

The Reds got back on track in the second half courtesy of a Fabinho effort, which flew through the legs of goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli and into the back of the net.

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Further strikes followed from Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane to round off a remarkable turnaround at the Estadio de la Ceramica, sparking joyous scenes at the full-time whistle last night.

Liverpool players began to soak up the atmosphere on the pitch as they processed their outstanding achievement of reaching a third cup final of the campaign before heading back into the dressing room. Two players who would have been unable to immediately join the rest of the team were Fabinho and Thiago, however, who were selected for routine Anti-Doping testing.

Posing with his midfield partner in an image shared on his official Twitter account, the Brazilian wrote: "Anti-Doping time."

Klopp's side will now face either Manchester City or Real Madrid in the final of the Champions League, with their opponents set to be confirmed on Wednesday evening when the sides go head-to-head in the Spanish capital.

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