Liverpool survived a first-half scare to reach the Champions League final with a 3-2 win at Villarreal, for a 5-2 aggregate victory, after the night had threatened to turn sour for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The visitors trailed 2-0 on Tuesday night with an insipid first-half performance before fighting back with three goals after the break to advance to their third European Cup final in five seasons.

The Premier League side had won the first leg 2-0 in England but looked in danger of coming unstuck on a rain-soaked pitch in Spain, as the hosts pegged them back with goals from Boulaye Dia and Francis Coquelin.

Liverpool, however, came out transformed after halftime and goals from Fabinho, Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane in 12 minutes sealed the deal, with Villarreal ending the match with 10 men following a late red card for Etienne Capoue.