“Champions League. Back where we belong” – Fans react to Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Middlesbrough

May 21, 2017
Emma Sanders

Liverpool secured a place in the Champions League for the 2017-18 season with a massive 3-0 victory over Middlesbrough on Sunday afternoon.

Liverpool 3-0 Middlesbrough

Premier League, Anfield
May 21, 2017

Goals: Wijnaldum 45′, Coutinho 50′, Lallana 58′

The Reds needed to pick up a victory to secure a top four finish and ensure they matched Arsenal‘s result against Everton at the Emirates.

Jurgen Klopp made just one change to the side which beat West Ham 4-0 at the London Stadium as Roberto Firmino came into the starting XI to replace Divock Origi.

Liverpool started off brightly – creating chances and maintaining possession – but nerves started to kick in as Manchester City and Arsenal both took an early lead in their clashes.

The Reds continued to push for an opening but Middlesbrough stood firm for almost the entire first half before Georginio Wijnaldum scored with just seconds remaining before the break.

Liverpool came out firing in the second-half and it didn’t take long for Philippe Coutinho to double the Reds’ lead with a superb free-kick.

The hosts were full of confidence and Adam Lallana capitalised by extending Liverpool’s lead further and confirming they had secured a Champions League spot.

Here are all the best reactions on social media throughout the game.

Fans were delighted to see Firmino make the starting line-up…

https://twitter.com/jacklusby_/status/866278178435805186

That's the team I was hoping for folks!!please let's not mess it up?So crucial to us going forward,to get the players we need.ynwa

— John Aldridge (@Realaldo474) May 21, 2017

That team is full of goals and creativity. Let's finish the job and the season on a high! #lfc

— DanKennett.bsky.social (@DanKennett) May 21, 2017

Tension was building as fans kept a close eye on happenings elsewhere in the race for the top four…

we just have to win we just have to win we just have to win we just have to win we just have to win we just have to win

— LFC Nuts (@Shahonti_) May 21, 2017

“It seems everyone is scoring except us..” – Yash Mishra on the forums.

Having heart palpitations

— Sam McGuire (@SamMcGuire90) May 21, 2017

But when Wijnaldum scored, fans erupted with celebration and relief…

https://twitter.com/TheKopMagazine/status/866305795675348993

Gini has the bottle

— amar singh (@amarjourno) May 21, 2017

Don't shoot, dont sho…OMFGDdsnsnUsy

— Dinesh Kumar (@DHardayal) May 21, 2017

Coutinho and Lallana’s goals confirmed an impressive victory for Liverpool and fans were absolutely delighted at full-time…

Don't shoot, dont sho…OMFGDdsnsnUsy

— Dinesh Kumar (@DHardayal) May 21, 2017

Up the Champions League Reds!!!#LFC #YNWA

— Mark in Florida ????? (@Mark_in_Florida) May 21, 2017

This is just a joy to watch!

— Liverpool Belief ????? ?????? (@LFC_Belief) May 21, 2017

“Back where we belong!” – Dale Williams on Facebook.

https://twitter.com/jacklusby_/status/866320832796250113

“Never been happier for being proved wrong… well done lads.” – Mohammed Buali on the forums.

https://twitter.com/jstar1973/status/866321052955181056

Champions league…we're back!

— Golden Brady (@IWWROCKS) May 21, 2017

“We’re back in the CL next season :) Klopp you bloody fantastic manager! Thank you” – Henri Chiu on Facebook.

I know top four isn't a trophy, but that's a huge step forward for #LFC. Recent history considered, getting 76 points is a big achievement.

— David Lynch (@davidlynchlfc) May 21, 2017

Terrific performance after the first goal went in. Great end to the season and a very well deserved finish after a long hard season

— LFC Street (@_Est_1980_) May 21, 2017

“Tears of relief more than joy. Well done lads. Lets go strengthen properly please. No shortcuts. Just get deals done for quality players.” – Iceman on the forums.

FT 3-0. Champions League here we come. A job well done and a very interesting summer ahead. A big moment for Klopp and the club.

— James Phillips (@JJP_LFC) May 21, 2017