After a goalless first half, Pervis Estupinan’s own goal in the 53rd minute brought the breakthrough before Santia Mane added a second just two minutes later to take the lead. It was absolutely worth it, as Unai Emery’s team is struggling to keep Liverpool going all the time and Jürgen Klopp will be sure to reach another Champions League final.
Player ratings
Liverpool Alisson (6), Alexander-Arnold (7), Konate (7), Van Dijk (7), Robertson (8), Henderson (8), Fabinho (7), Thiago (8), Salah (8), Mane ( 8), Diaz (8). Subs: Keita (6), Jota (6), Gomez (6), Origi (6). Villarreal: Rulli (4), Foyth (6), Albiol (6), Torres (6), Estupinan (5), Parejo (6), Capoue (6), Coquelin (5), Chukwueze (6), Lo Celso (6) , Groeneveld (6). Subs: Pedraza (6), Trigueros (6), Dia (6), Aurier (6), Iborra (6). Man of the match: Thiago.
Liverpool had a lot for Villarreal
Liverpool attacked from the beginning with the best opportunity of the first 45 minutes to fall to Mane early. He could only get out from the cross of Mohamed Salah. With Villarreal defending deeply, it took pressure and patience, Luis Diaz pushing the opposition and Thiago giving the rhythm with his always impressive passes. The ideas ran out towards the end of the half, Thiago let go from a distance and hit the crossbar. It was as close as Liverpool arrived before the break with Villarreal keeping company. Continuing to push, there was a bit of excitement at the start of the second half when Fabinho put the ball into the net from close range, but Virgil van Dijk was offside. But a future Anfield did not have to wait much longer.
Team news
Liverpool have made three changes since the weekend with Luis Diaz, Ibrahim Konate and Jordan Henderson recalled on the sidelines. Picture: Jordan Henderson’s misplaced cross gave Liverpool the lead in the second half The goal of the revolution was ugly when it came, Jordan Henderson’s right cross looped over the relentless Geronimo Rulli after being deflected by Estupinan’s foot. This seemed to break Villarreal’s determination because within minutes Mane had pushed the ball into the net from close range when it was sent by the imposing Salah. There were other half chances with the impressive Diaz having an attempt to deflect out, but the match ended without further incidents, Allison was untested and the dominance of the hosts was clear. The Villarreal fans, dressed in yellow, were a colorful addition to the city, enjoying their trip to Liverpool – and the semi-finals. But there was not much to cheer them on at the start. This Liverpool team looks very good. Who can stop them now?
Man of the race: Thiago
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Thiago Alcantara is happy with his recent form as Liverpool won the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Villarreal 2-0. Make no mistake, Liverpool have been superior all along. But it was no coincidence that the first goal of the match came after a trademark drop from their clever midfielder. Thiago escaped from his marker, accelerating the attack. The goal followed. He was warned late in the first half with his shot from a distance that reached the corner with an arrow only to bounce off the corner of the crossbar and the crossbar. Thiago exudes quality and that quality was too much for Villarreal at night. The temptation was to think it was just a matter of time, that’s how it felt. But patience is only rewarded if the team continues to search for weaknesses. “It’s not just about patience, but about discovering gaps,” Thiago said. He finds them.
Klopp: It’s only half time
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Despite winning the first leg 2-0 against Villarreal, Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp says his team still has work to do if they want to reach the Champions League final. Speaking afterwards, Klopp was pleased with the performance of his players. “The way we played, the way we defended very well, the way we attacked very well. We had to score goals. It was clear that we had to move on. “Villarreal, at a moment when they can get out of the press, is an immediate threat. If we do not win the ball there, we are in the middle of everything. We have done so well most of the time.” His mood was anything but triumphant. There were no celebrations in front of the Kop in the last whistle, knowing that another 90 minutes are coming to Spain. “Two-zero in total, but it is half time. Neither more nor less. “Nothing has happened yet. If you play a game and you are 2-0 at half time, you have to be 100% vigilant. We know we will go there and it will be a difficult atmosphere for us. If they beat us 2-0 there and go in the final they deserve it. “If they do not, we deserve it.”
Statistically the victory of Liverpool
Liverpool have made 13 of their last 14 Champions League knockout matches after winning their first leg, losing to Bayer Leverkusen in 2002 after a 1-0 win. Liverpool have won nine Champions League games this season, the most games they have ever won in a single season in European competitions. Villarreal attempted just one shot in this match, with that shot being missed. They are the fewest shots from any team in a Champions League semi-final since data were available.
What happens next?
Liverpool’s hectic schedule continues as he travels to Newcastle for the Premier League midday start on Saturday, knowing that they can not afford to slip if they want to overtake Manchester City. The rematch of the Champions League semifinal will take place on Tuesday afternoon.
The other Liverpool games
April 30 – Newcastle United May 3 – Villarreal (a), second leg of the Champions League semi-final May 7 – Tottenham Hotspur May 10 – Aston Villa (a), live on Sky Sports May 14 – Chelsea reach the FA Cup final May 17 – Southampton (a), live on Sky Sports May 22 – Wolves (h)
