Rodgers' Reds: Class is Permanent

Aside from asserting their dominance over Manchester by taking six points from City and United in the same month, Liverpool are also doing well in the Champions League and have progressed to the Semi Finals after eliminating Monaco. However, it isn't an April full of positives as they have also been kicked out of the FA Cup by Chelsea.

Liverpool April Player of the Month

Lucas Romero has experienced a resurgence in form, something that has culminated in him receiving the Player of the Month for April. The defensive midfielder was the star this month and a particularly important presence for his side in the Champions League, scoring against Monaco in the first leg, before turning in a Man of the Match performance to ensure a clean sheet in the second.

Injury Report

James Ward-Prowse - 3 weeks (pulled hamstring)
Philippe Coutinho - 2 weeks (twisted knee)

Injuries to Ward-Prowse and Coutinho meant that the two players failed to make an appearance in an important FA Cup Semi Final clash against Chelsea, absences that cost Liverpool dearly.

Manager's Thoughts

Getting knocked out of the FA Cup at the Semi Finals isn't pleasing at all, especially considering how close we were to winning the whole thing. But the only thing to do now is to get up and move on. We still have the Champions League, and the title is all but ours. We can still do a quintuple this season if we win both of them, so let's do it.

A harsh defeat at the hands of Chelsea but a semi-final and a Wembley appearance is still somethimg to celebrate! Now to turn your full attention to Europe, and bring the cup home!

2015-05-31 17:55#213990 Justice : A harsh defeat at the hands of Chelsea but a semi-final and a Wembley appearance is still somethimg to celebrate! Now to turn your full attention to Europe, and bring the cup home!

Yessir

The Quarter Finals have come and gone, with four clubs left to compete for Europe's biggest prize. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, and Manchester City make up the final four, ensuring that the European Cup will go to either an English or Spanish team this season.

Teams

Real Madrid
Liverpool
Manchester City
Barcelona


Liverpool had relatively little problems making it past Monaco, despite a 1-1 draw against the Ligue 1 champions at Stade Louis II. The second leg at Anfield was a different story, as they put 3 goals past Monaco goalkeeper Danijel Subasic, while at the same time keeping a clean sheet thanks to the superb Lucas Romero.

Manchester City's European campaign will already be regarded as a success. The noisy neighbors triumphed over their bitter rivals Manchester United on the away goals rule after battling to a scoreline of 1-1 at Old Trafford, and are understandably delighted to have gotten one over their hated enemies. However, they certainly won't settle for just that, with the club being in touching distance of their first European Cup.

While Liverpool have plenty of history in the Champions League, having won it seven times, this is the farthest that their opponents have ever gotten in the competition. Regardless of the past, both sides pack plenty of quality in their present day squads, and for the neutral fans of football, it is undoubtedly going to be a fixture to relish.


And the other Semi Final draw is none other than the classic match-up. Two of Spain's biggest clubs will come together this month to contest yet another El Clasico, to be more specific - the fourth El Clasico of this season, following both sides' clashes in La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

Real crushed their Quarter Final opponents Zenit easily - the Russians were left helpless in the face of Real's firepower, with the Madrid club cruising through on an aggregate of 6-1. Barcelona, on the other hand, had a much tougher game against a spirited Chelsea, but the Catalans eventually won by a narrow one-goal lead.

It has been a three-year period of English dominance in the Champions League, and now the Spanish have a chance to end that dominance. But first, Barcelona and Real Madrid must get past their last obstacle.

---

Liverpool have confirmed their place in the Champions League Final in June after a 3-1 win over fellow Premier League side Manchester City.

It is a third consecutive Champions League Final for the Reds, a highly impressive feat unmanageable by most of Europe's biggest clubs.

Their opponents are set to be Real Madrid, the victors of the El Clasico in the Semi Finals, with Barcelona succumbing to a heavy 6-3 beating.

The first leg took place at Anfield with Liverpool eager to gain an early lead, and that was what they did as Richairo Zivkovic found a way past Joe Hart 38 minutes in.

Influential captain Yaya Toure received a straight red card in the 68th minute, following an unnecessary two-footed challenge on Liverpool center-back Eder Alvarez Balanta. It also ensured his absence in the return leg, a factor that did not help City's chances at all. It was then left up to David Alaba to hit his penalty home after a bad City foul on Nathaniel Clyne in the box.

A comeback was expected from the Citizens in the second leg at their home stadium, but they failed to find their feet after Zivkovic netted once again. Divock Origi could only score a late consolation, as City tumbled out of the Champions League.


"It feels brilliant," said Liverpool winger and second leg Man of the Match Raheem Sterling, when quizzed about his post-match thoughts. "It's not easy to reach the Champions League Final three times in three years because obviously it's one of the toughest competitions to be in, but we've done it. So yeah, absolutely brilliant."

Under the management of Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool have only managed to take wins off Real Madrid twice in six attempts, but the Northern Irish boss has no fear of his side's Champions League Final opponents.

"We haven't played Real Madrid for about a year or two and in that period of time Liverpool as a club have undergone changes for the better," said Rodgers, after the second leg of the Semi Finals against City.

"Liverpool have a poor record against Real but next month we're going to show them just how much we have improved as a team."


He also showered praise on Dutch striker Zivkovic. The 22-year-old suffered a dislocated shoulder in February and stayed on the sidelines for 2 months, but has made an encouraging return so far, scoring goals in both legs of the Semi Finals.

"Richairo is a wonderful footballer and he really showed that against Manchester City. His injury came at an unfortunate time but I'm glad he's back now.

"He adds so much more to our team when he is playing and I'm very happy to have him at Liverpool. He's a classic example of what we want in a striker."

Liverpool will play Real Madrid in the highly-anticipated Champions League Final on the 8th of June, at Germany's Olympiastadion.

---

After two successive years of finishing 2nd to Chelsea, Liverpool have won the Premier League title by an eight-point margin, with 31 wins, 5 draws, and 2 losses.

Manchester United rank in 2nd place with last year's winners Chelsea having to settle for 3rd. The last club to make it into the Champions League spots is Arsenal, with Everton and Manchester City trailing behind in the Europa League positions by 20 points.

Unlucky Tottenham narrowly miss out on European competition by just their goal difference, while Norwich also fail to make the cut being just one point short.

On the other end of the table are Sunderland, Fulham, and Watford, all of which are playing in the Championship next season, after their disastrous Premier League campaigns.


Back onto the topic of Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers has finally masterminded his club's 21st league title, meaning that the Reds are now statistically the most successful side in England having exceeded Manchester United's record of 20.

It is indeed a great time to be a Liverpool fan, with the club also set to play in their third Champions League Final in as many years next month.

Besides their overwhelming number of points, Liverpool also have a magnificent goal difference - their top three league goalscorers of the season, Mario Balotelli, Richairo Zivkovic, and Philippe Coutinho share a total of 68 goals scored between them. Meanwhile, the top three players with the most assists, Raheem Sterling, James Ward-Prowse, and Balotelli have a sum of 50 goals created when put together.

Some other worthy mentions are Jeronimo Rulli, who has been immense in his debut season, conceding just 19 goals in 36 league games and keeping 24 clean sheets. The team's two wing-backs, David Alaba and Nathaniel Clyne, have also impressed, as well as youngsters like Ryan Joseph and Yusuf Turan. Arsenal loanee Kyriakos Papadopoulos has also been extremely reliable when called upon, and might even be set for a permanent deal in the summer.

In spite of all this success, the season is not over yet for Liverpool. Real Madrid is the final test, and come 8th June, Rodgers' boys have the opportunity to really turn an epic 2018/19 season into a perfect one.

League winners Liverpool dominated the annual Premier League awards, winning 6 out of 7 accolades as well as having 9 players named in the PFA Team of the Year XI.


Jeronimo Rulli has marked his debut season at Liverpool with the Golden Glove, clinching the award with 24 clean sheets and 19 goals conceded in 36 games. Trailing behind Rulli's wake is Manchester United's David De Gea with 21 clean sheets and Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois with 17.


Richairo Zivkovic is the recipient of the Goal of the Season, with the goal in question being his cheeky lob against Everton from all of 52 meters in December.


Mario Balotelli is the inevitable winner of the Golden Boot after a great record of 30 goals in 34 games. Giovanni Simeone of Norwich is the runner-up with 24 goals from 35 games, while Balotelli's teammate Richairo Zivkovic ranks third, netting 22 times in 29 appearances.


Brendan Rodgers wins his third Manager of the Year after guiding his Liverpool side to their 21st league title.


Mario Balotelli scored 30 goals and created another 12 this season to win the FWA Footballer of the Year for the second time in a row, an award that is also his second of the night after the Golden Boot.


Eden Hazard picks up his second consecutive PFA Player of the Year after a glorious season with Chelsea where he scored 16 and assisted 21.


24-year-old James Ward-Prowse is the PFA Young Player of the Year, and has certainly contributed plenty to Liverpool with his 3 goals and 16 assists this season.

I have reason to believe that the judge of this award's favourite colour was red.

But who noticed Falcao still at United?

2015-06-01 03:34#214004 TheAlex651 :

PFA Team of the Year

I have reason to believe that the judge of this award's favourite colour was red.

Hahaha, I think you're right

2015-06-01 06:07#214009 Justice : But who noticed Falcao still at United?

He's actually their captain too!

Rodgers' Reds: Class is Permanent has been nominated for yet another Story of the Month! It's always a pleasure to be nominated and it's great to know I'm getting some form of recognition for all the hours I'm putting into this story.

If you enjoyed this story and want to vote, you can vote for me here!

Thanks to the judges who nominated my story and to you for reading this, regardless of whether you vote for me or not

Congratulation on yet another SotM nomination! Let someome else win for once, will you?

2015-06-01 16:40#214018 Justice : Congratulation on yet another SotM nomination! Let someome else win for once, will you?

I've only won once in two years

In the last month of the 2018/19 season, Liverpool sealed their Premier League title victory with a win against Newcastle and Chelsea, before ending their league campaign in style by defeating West Bromwich 2-0. They also progressed to their third successive Champions League Final after knocking out Manchester City in the Semi Finals, and are set to face Real Madrid at the Olympiastadion in June.

Liverpool May Player of the Month

Raheem Sterling is the last Player of the Month for this season after leading Liverpool into the Champions League Final with two fantastic performances in both legs against Manchester City. The winger is one of the best players in his position at the moment, and finished his season with 15 goals and 32 assists in all competitions, beating Mario Balotelli's record of 30 from last year.

Manager's Thoughts

A fitting end to the season although I would have liked to take a win from our last Merseyside derby, but I guess it can't be helped. We have secured the title and finally overtaking Manchester United is always cause for victory, but first our focus will have to be shifted towards Real Madrid and the Champions League Final.

We're here in beautiful Berlin tonight to witness a clash of the giants, with Premier League winners Liverpool taking on La Liga champions Real Madrid for the title of the best club in Europe.

Liverpool are competing in their third Champions League Final in as many years, a truly remarkable feat, and could also be lifting their eighth European Cup if they seal victory here.

It may be hard to look beyond a club more successful than Liverpool in this competition, but Real Madrid is that exact club, with Los Merengues having won the Champions League title no less than ten times.

In this football match though, history means nothing, and only the best team will win tonight.


Seeded into a Champions League group consisting of Atletico Madrid, Fiorentina, and Trabzonspor, Liverpool had a bad start as they dropped a game to Atletico, but experienced no problems after that and managed to top Group B with 13 points in 6 games.

Bayer Leverkusen awaited in the First Knockout Round and the Germans certainly gave them a hard game, but it was Liverpool who emerged victorious in the end after sweeping Leverkusen off with a 6-3 scoreline. Monaco, arguably the best team in France at the moment, came next in the Quarter Finals, but were soon eliminated after Liverpool put 3 goals past them in the second leg of the tie. A familiar foe in the form of Manchester City was the last challenge before the Final, but they too fell to Liverpool's brilliance.


Starting 11: Rulli; Clyne, Balanta, Umtiti, Alaba; Romero, Henderson, Ward-Prowse; Balotelli, Sterling; Zivkovic
Subs: Steele, Joseph, Aubry, Turan, Gerrard, Moreyra, Coutinho


Brendan Rodgers has gone all out, picking a lineup filled with little surprises as he aims to dissect the force that is Real Madrid. A surprise exclusion though, is attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho, who misses out on a starting place. Instead, Raheem Sterling will move from his usual wing position to support Richairo Zivkovic directly, while Mario Balotelli, Jordan Henderson, and James Ward-Prowse forms an offensive midfield trio. Lucas Romero is also handed a start ahead of Steven Gerrard and Yannis Aubry, and the Argentine will be expected to provide extra protection for a back four that has kept 42 clean sheets in all competitions this season.


Real Madrid came into Group C with an air of confidence, not expecting to face much difficulty against the likes of Zenit, Standard, and PSV Eindhoven. However, they were shockingly defeated by Zenit in one game and eventually finished 2nd in the group on goal difference behind their Russian opponents.

They did not let their group stage disappointment affect them though, as Real made quick work of their First Round opponents, sending Juventus off early with a 3-0 win. Zenit returned to haunt them in the Quarter Finals, but Real got the revenge that they wanted in a crushing 6-1 victory. The Semi Finals set up an El Clasico between Los Blancos and rivals Barcelona, and more goals were to follow as Barca got slayed after conceding 5 goals in the first leg.


Starting 11: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Tielemans; Bale, Rodriguez, Savitskiy; Ronaldo
Subs: Casillas, Nkoulou, Marquinhos, Modric, Isco, Dos Santos, Lacazette


Andre Villas-Boas has pulled no punches with his starting eleven either. Real's back four is a four-man defensive partnership that has lasted for years and won the club multiple honors, while a dream forward line of Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, Pavel Savitskiy, and Cristiano Ronaldo attack up front. The four Real Madrid men share a phenomenal number of 93 goals scored between them this season in all competitions.Veteran midfielder Luka Modric and the ever-consistent Isco are both also relegated to the bench, with their place in the lineup going to young Belgian star Youri Tielemans.

0' - There goes the referee's whistle, and Liverpool kick off the 2019 Champions League Final.

10' - Toni Kroos hits a frighteningly powerful shot that beats Liverpool goalkeeper Jeronimo Rulli, but it also grazes the crossbar and Cristiano Ronaldo fails to get on the rebound, as Samuel Umtiti wastes no time in clearing the ball away.

21' - GOAL! Real Madrid take the lead through Ronaldo! James Rodriguez has his feet on the ball and makes a fantastic cross into the Liverpool box, with his captain promptly beating Umtiti to it to score a wonderful finish.


26' - Jordan Henderson plays the ball to Raheem Sterling, and the Liverpool winger finds himself in an extremely comfortable position to go for glory. That is exactly what he does, but Gareth Bale gets himself in the way of the ball and reclaims possession for his side.

40' - GOAL! 1-1! Liverpool execute some magnificent passing football, with the ball finding it's way to the feet of David Alaba, then James Ward-Prowse and Sterling, with the latter making a back heel pass to the waiting Richairo Zivkovic, and the Dutch striker dances his way past Sergio Ramos to beat Keylor Navas.


43' - A big chance for Real as Ronaldo hits a beautiful through ball to Pavel Savitskiy, who has completely left Nathaniel Clyne behind in his run. The Belarus international attempts to hit home but Rulli makes a great save to deny him.

45' - HT: Liverpool 1-1 Real Madrid. It's all square at the Olympiastadion so far with both sides constantly wrestling possession away from each other. It's been an exciting first half, and the next 45 minutes will probably be even better.

45' - Real Madrid kick off the second half of the Champions League Final.

62' - Holy Mother of God! What a save by Rulli! A swinging Real Madrid free kick into the Liverpool box finds Rodriguez, who surges past Clyne to knock the ball over to Savitskiy. At barely three meters away from the net, it is impossible for Savitskiy not to score, but Rulli's fast reflexes kick themselves into action, as the Premier League Golden Glove recipient makes a dive to the side to block the close-range effort.

85' - GOAL! With just 6 minutes left on the clock! Umtiti rises highest to meet Ward-Prowse's corner, and Navas cannot get to the Frenchman's header in time. Is this the winning goal?!


90' - OWN GOAL! Disaster for Real Madrid! Liverpool's super sub Alejandro Moreyra receives a pass from Ward-Prowse and shoots it towards goal. Navas gets to the ball this time, but in a silly turn of events, it rebounds off Marcelo to result in an own goal. There is no doubt about it, Liverpool are your Champions League winners!

90' - FT: Liverpool 3-1 Real Madrid. That's it! Liverpool's eighth European Cup, and their fifth trophy of the season! What a game!