Liverpool-Sevilla 2016: a game of two seconds

1-0 up at halftime and bursting with the Spirit of the K(l)op, Liverpool looked good for a Europa League title in the 2016 final.

Then opponents Sevilla applied the surprise effect.

At the kickoff, Kévin Gameiro played the ball to Éver Banega. So far, so normal. But instead of the usual pass back into his own half, Banega stormed forward and within two seconds there was a line of six Sevilla attackers heading toward the Liverpool goal in possession.

Another 16 seconds later and the ball was in the back of the net. 1-1.

Did Banega’s unusual decision momentarily unsettle the Liverpool team?

Did the uncertainty slow Alberto Moreno’s reaction to Mariano, allowing the right back to waft pass him and put in the decisive cross?

And were the remaining Liverpool defenders so unnerved they failed to keep proper tabs on goalscorer Gameiro?

Perhaps. Decide for yourself here.

Liverpool never really recovered their composure after the quick goal, and went on to lose 3-1. As their manager Klopp himself said (my emphasis):

“Everything changed in this moment as we had a wonderful atmosphere until we conceded to make it 1-1. Sevilla took the game and we defended not good.”