Story of the season

The Reds replaced coach Brendan Rodgers after their second group stage game, but did not initially dazzle under replacement Jürgen Klopp. However, a round of 16 success against local rivals Manchester United reinvigorated the team, and they reached new heights in eliminating Klopp's old side Borussia Dortmund and then Villarreal to make it to their first final since the 2007 UEFA Champions League defeat by AC Milan.

Record this season: P14 W6 D7 L1 F18 A10

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Pivotal moment

At 2-0 down after ten minutes – or at 3-1 down after 57 – the Reds might have thrown in the towel at home against Dortmund in the quarter finals. However, they showed immense fortitude, Philippe Coutinho, Mamadou Sakho and – in added time – Dejan Lovren scoring to propel Liverpool towards the last four, the game already up there as one of the best in the Reds' European history.

Key player

Shunted out on to the left flank by Klopp, Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho has shone. "In the position I play I have to create chances," he said, adding: "When I suddenly cut inside space opens up giving me the opportunity to try to score." A menace for all opponents, his manager said of him: "Coutinho is a genius of a player."

Lallana after scoring against Villarreal ©AFP/Getty Images

Unsung hero

"I am really, really happy that a few more people are recognising what a great player he is," Klopp said of Adam Lallana, whose energy, creativity and ability to regain possession made him a firm favourite of his new boss. A big-money signing from Southampton who took a while to convince the Kop, Lallana has also been the Reds' top scorer in the campaign with three goals.

Number: 7

The number of draws Liverpool have earned in their 14 games; three more than any other team. Also the number of goals they scored in their last two home games; one more than they got in the whole of the group stage.

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Quote

"When I saw all the happy faces after the game, I knew it was a special night. You cannot have 500 of those. If you are a really lucky guy, you maybe get ten in your life."

Jürgen Klopp on eliminating Dortmund