How a Liverpool ballboy played crucial role in the 4-0 Champions League win over Barcelona

Liverpool‘s 4-0 win over Barcelona at Anfield on Tuesday night secured a place in the Champions League final, overcoming a 0-3 aggregate scoreline thanks to two goals from Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum.

Origi’s second came about due to a piece of quick thinking from England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool youngster feigned as if taking his time over a corner kick, but took it quickly as the Barcelona defence was out of position.

Read more: Liverpool summon spirit of Istanbul to stun Barcelona

Divock Origi hit the low ball into the the top left corner of Marc-André Ter Stegen’s goal, scoring the fourth goal of the game which would guarantee their ticket to Madrid next month.

Some complained that the corner might be illegal, or unsporting. Others noticed the role of the ballboy in the proceedings.

Here is what happened on the night.

The corner

Pure genius

Trent Alexander-Arnold with the quickest thinking you will ever see from the short corner.

THE decisive goal from Divock Origi.

Liverpool are going to the final! pic.twitter.com/K05v1iYzbp

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 8, 2019

Read more: On a night of heroes for Liverpool, Divock Origi stood taller than all others

Trent Alexander-Arnold won a corner, deflecting the ball off Sergi Roberto and out behind the byline. As the ball ricocheted back onto the ball, the ballboy near the corner flag rolled a ball he was holding towards the corner Alexander-Arnold was walking towards. At the same time, Origi passed the original ball in play, which had rolled back onto the field, to the ballboy, before walking towards the six yard box.

Alexander-Arnold placed the ball and, seeing the Barcelona defence out of position and waiting for Liverpool’s defenders to arrive for the corner, he decided to pass the ball along the ground directly to Origi. Origi scored from the move and Liverpool took a 4-0 lead on the night, eventually winning the tie.

What the rules say

There is nothing to stop a quick corner, unless the referee blows his whistle to stop play and deal with another matter. The only rules governing the procedure of a corner kick are as follows:

The ball must be placed in the corner area
The ball must be stationary and is kicked by a player of the attacking team
The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves; it does not need to leave the corner area
The corner flagpost must not be moved
Opponents must remain at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the corner arc until the ball is in play

Alexander-Arnold and Origi did not violate any rule – and there is nothing that requires corner kick takers to wait for the referees whistle or to give a signal.

Reaction

Read more: ‘Historic failure’: How Spanish press responded to Barcelona’s collapse against Liverpool

Alexander-Arnold explained the goal after the match to BT Sport interviewers: “I think it was just instinctive. It was one of those moments where you see the opportunity.”

“Divock was switched on and finished it off. It probably came at him a bit fast but he is a top player. He scored two goals for us tonight and everyone will remember this moment.”

Jurgen Klopp praised his right-back after the match: “Trent Alexander-Arnold… wow. I saw the ball flying and hitting the net and I had no clue who took the corner or who scored, because it was too quick for me. Now I saw it back and it’s just incredible. Smart. Only two players connected in this moment was enough.”

Others praised the corner, and also the ballboy for his quick actions to allow the situation to arise:

Hope that Anfield ball boy gets a little win bonus for his hand in Origi’s winner. Great teamwork from him & Trent A-A at the double-bluff corner #LFC #UCL

— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) May 7, 2019

Graeme Souness on @VMSportIE calling for a season ticket and 2 Champions League Final tickets for the ballboy who gave the ball to Alexander-Arnold so quickly for the corner. Good call

— Stephen Doyle (@dubsoulrebel) May 7, 2019

Man of the match: this ballboy. pic.twitter.com/0ODKGqASGk

— Andrew Dawson (@ADawsonBros) May 7, 2019

Alexander-Arnold, 20 years old. People will tell me it’s bad defending, I’m telling you it’s pure intelligence and vision.

— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) May 7, 2019