The Reds were authoritative in the first half against Sevilla but never recovered after Kevin Gameiro scored early in the second period, losing their belief and shape.
BASEL, Switzerland — Jurgen Klopp had insisted the Europa League final did not represent pressure for Liverpool but an opportunity. For 45 minutes at St Jakob-Park, the club seemed to have seized it, and decided this was to be another glorious night to be painted red.
Daniel Sturridge’s wonder-strike with the outside of his left foot on 35 minutes had the Premier League outfit ahead in Basel, and when the halftime whistle blew, Liverpool might have been three goals to the good.