LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Thursday, April 14, 2016: The UEFA Cup trophy arrives at Anfield ahead of the UEFA Europa League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg match between Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool to play reigning champions Sevilla in Europa League final

Liverpool will take on La Liga side Sevilla in the Europa League final, after a 3-0 win over Villarreal on Thursday night.

The Reds triumphed over Marcelino’s Villarreal, sealing a place in their first European final since 2007, with the Europa League final on May 18.

As the final whistle neared, Jurgen Klopp and his backroom staff will have been made aware of their opponents for the showcase clash at FC Basel’s St. Jakob-Park, with Sevilla romping to a 5-3 aggregate win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the other semi-final.

Unai Emery’s side have won back-to-back Europa League titles, and will be looking to make it a third as they take on Liverpool later this month.

As their win at home to Shakhtar proved on Thursday night, they are in good shape heading into the final, too.

French striker Kevin Gameiro opened the scoring early, sending the ball past Andriy Pyatov with just nine minutes on the clock, before adding a second with a tap-in just after half-time.

Former Arsenal striker Eduardo pulled one back before the interval, giving Shakhtar a lifeline despite Gameiro’s brace.

But with Mariano smashing home on the hour mark, Sevilla put the game beyond any doubt.

Sevilla boast a side built for European competition, with the likes of Grzegorz Krychowiak and Steven N’Zonzi providing a bullish edge to back up the attacking sheen of Gameiro and Ever Banega.

But having defeated Man United, Borussia Dortmund and now Villarreal in the Europa League so far, Klopp’s side can be confident heading into the final in Switzerland.

Liverpool will receive just 10,236 tickets for the 33,000-seater stadium. A ridiculous choice to host such a match.

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