AFTER checking the assistant referee's flag remained pointing at the ground, Sadio Mane's smile lit up Anfield.
And in that moment - the moment when Mane doubled Liverpool's lead and effectively put the outcome of this semifinal tie beyond reasonable doubt - everything about this Liverpool was there for all to see.
Relentless, irrepressible, effervescent, unstoppable.
If they get one, they are likely to get another because no team plays in European bursts quite like Jurgen Klopp's side do. The red super-tanker was always going to crush the yellow submarine. And in a spell of a couple or minutes or so early in the second half, Paris in late springtime was booked.
Allez, allez, allez, and all that.
As commendable as their run to the semi-finals has been, Villarreal showed nothing at Anfield that suggests they will be able to overhaul Liverpool next Tuesday.
Liverpool's first goal was fortunate and their second too simple for Unai Emery's defensive liking. But, in truth, Liverpool were operating on a different level...and they were not even operating in top gear.
This story is from the April 28, 2022 edition of Daily Mirror.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 28, 2022 edition of Daily Mirror.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ROB THE BUILDER
Wales boss will put faith in more kids for World Cup campaign as he focuses on future
Having my leg chopped off was the best decision of my life ONE
GOLD MEDAL SWIMMING CHAMPION® ALICE TAI DETAILS HER AMPUTATION. SURGERY IN BRILLIANT DOGUMENTARY
McSHANE IT'S TIME TIGERS HAD HAPPY TALE
Castleford hooker determined to get strugglers firing again
TOTO'S GOING DUTCH bil TAG
Merc chief wants Verstappen
FRIENDS REUNITED
Dettori and Gosden team up again in Dubai
CHEMICAL ATTACK VICTIM NOW HOME WITH DAUGHTERS
Eye-risk mum in hospital discharge
If our mum's killer is set free we fear no woman will be safe
THREE siblings whose mother was murdered by a convicted rapist were horrified to learn the fiend could soon be released from prison.
VANESSA'S EX TO WED
VANESSA Feltz's ex fiance is to marry a reality TV star after a three-month romance.
Teen's death 'darkest time' for the Scouts
A GRIEVING mum has called for action after her 16-year-old son fell 200ft to his death while on a Scouts trip.
GLITTER VICTIM'S CLAIM FOR £500K
Woman suffered profound pain’