Liverpool comfortably brushed aside Villarreal to book their place in the Europa League final.

On an emotionally-charged night at Anfield, an early own goal from Bruno Soriano saw the Reds draw level on aggregate in their semi-final encounter.

Second half strikes from Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana ensured Jurgen Klopp’s side a place in the May 18 showpiece while the visitors were reduced to 10 men after Victor Ruiz received a second booking.

Here are the main talking points as the march to Basel was finished in emphatic style…

Fantastic Firmino leads the way

No Liverpool player left the field with anything less than a 100 per cent performance, but Roberto Firmino was at the heart of this impressive display; working tirelessly, and tormenting Villarreal all evening.

The Brazilian playmaker’s instinctive cross back into the penalty area caused the uncertainty in the Spanish side’s defence, which led to Bruno Soriano’s own goal, and he remained a menace for the rest of the first half.

After the interval, his link-ups with compatriot Philippe Coutinho, and saw two long range drives well saved.

However his most telling contributions came after hour mark, first setting up Daniel Sturridge to double the advantage with an instinctive flick. He continued the theme in bursting past Mateo Musacchio to fire in a dangerous cross, eventually converted by Adam Lallana.

A quick-footed piece of skill to elude Roberto Soldao (below) was merely the icing on the cake.

Sturridge remains man for big occasions

Sturridge again demonstrated his enduring worth to Liverpool, as he outlined his returning calmness in front of goal with an excellently taken finish.

His presence in the six-yard box caused the own goal, which gave the Reds the breakthrough as Soriano deflected home his shot early in the first half.

The England striker remained a threat throughout, looking to use his pace and movement, testing Villarreal keeper Alphonse Areola on a number of occasions, before finally getting his goal.

The goal itself illustrated perfectly Sturridge’s value, as he coolly slotted home, just as a hint of nervousness was beginning to creep in at Anfield.

Return of Can is a timely boost

Emre Can’s return eased a selection headache for Jurgen Klopp, and provided the hosts with a calming and dominant influence in midfield.

The German enforce operated as the deepest lying midfielder, allowing captain James Milner the scope to get forward more effectively, without compromising defensive security.

He went about his work with diligence and structure, constantly providing support for Kolo Toure and Dejan Lovren, and getting Liverpool on the front foot with his intelligent passing.

Can looks set to continue in this anchoring role for the rest of the season, and his influence could prove vital in the final.

Raucous Anfield crowd plays its part again

The role of the Anfield support has been emphasised greatly during the club’s Europa League campaign, and they delivered again to push the team into the final.

Klopp and his players were welcomed in remarkable fashion when they arrived at the stadium before kick-off.

Few stadiums in Europe can generate the type of intimidating atmosphere of Anfield, and the stadium was in full voice for the whole game.

Villarreal manager Marcelino insisted that his players would not be affected by the atmosphere, however his team simply wilted under the pressure, whereas the home side harnessed it to their maximum advantage.