Daniel Sturridge demonstrated his class to fire home a 63rd-minute effort in Liverpool’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Villarreal to give the Reds the advantage in the tie.
Having lost the first leg 1-0 at the Madrigal following Adrian Lopez’s late effort, the Reds upped the ante in the return bout at Anfield and took the lead in the seventh minute.
While Sturridge thought he was responsible for opening the scoring, the ‘credit’ ultimately went to visiting midfielder Bruno, who was at fault for deflecting the ball past his own keeper.
However, the England striker didn’t have to wait too long to get his name on the scoresheet; after being picked out by Roberto Firmino in the 63rd minute, the ex-Chelsea hitman made little mistake after finding himself one on one with Alphonse Areola, and buried the ball with a sharp finish.
Sturridge 2-0! pic.twitter.com/MlDpF2wSsV
— LFC Leo (@LFCLeo_) May 5, 2016
The goal was no less than Sturridge deserves following a troubled campaign in which he has spent extensive spells on the sidelines.
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The forward has demonstrated his class on occasion—when fitness has permitted—and will be desperate to complete his comeback with a strong showing in the final.