If this was billed as Liverpool’s ultimate test, then the Reds past with flying colours as they overcame Championship side Blackburn Rovers to book a place in Wembley’s semi-final against Aston Villa.
Brendan Rodgers had Brazilian Philippe Coutinho to thank once again after the playmaker produced a moment of quality to smash home the winner.
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(Video) Goal: Blackburn Rovers 0-1 Liverpool – Philippe Coutinho nets goals which could send Reds to Wembley
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers admits not finishing in the top four and FA Cup failure would be a disappointment
With the FA Cup Liverpool’s only hope of attaining some silverware, the Anfield faithful can look forward to a day out at Wembley and take part in their first semi-final since facing Everton in 2012.
After a cagey first half, Simon Mignloet was called into action early on after the interval after the Belgium stretched to palm away a long-range effort from Tom Cairney destined for the top corner.
Moments later, Mignolet produced another impressive stop to keep Liverpool in the game, this time keeping out Ben Marshall’s low header. Joe Allen’s presence in front of him made the save even more sensational.
Liverpool started to exert pressure and after a number of attempts at goal, Coutinho worked a lovely one-two around the edge of the box and found the bottom corner as he bore down on goal.
As the hosts through everything forward in search of an equaliser, their final chance fell to an unlikely source a ‘keeper Simon Eastwood swivelled and almost dragged his effort across the line; Mignolet was equal to it.