An easy home win saw Liverpool secure a two-goal lead on aggregate over their Spanish rivals.
Liverpool defeated Villarreal 2-0 in their Champions League game on Wednesday. The Reds dominated the entire game, leaving the Yellow Submarines with no chances to surprise them at Anfield.
Mane strikes again!
As we expected in our betting tips for the Champions League semi-finals, Liverpool took control of the game early on.
The Reds made a few serious efforts to find an early breakthrough, but they couldn’t find a way behind Villarreal’s compact backline.
Thiago came the closest as he hit the post only three minutes before the interval. However, similar to their Merseyside derby earlier this week, Liverpool had to end the first period with no goal.
The Reds, however, re-started their efforts to find the opener as soon as the second half started. Pervis Estupinan’s little touch on Jordan Henderson’s cross deflected it just enough to get it past Geronimo Rulli.
The own goal shocked Villarreal, providing the chance for Liverpool to double their lead only two minutes later. Following a precise assist from Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane defeated Rulli in a one-on-one situation as Liverpool went 2-0 ahead.
The Reds made a few more attempts to increase their lead. But it was clear that their main objective was to avoid conceding.
A host of substitutions helped Jurgen Klopp’s side hold on to their lead as they will go into the second leg with a two-goal lead.
What’s next for Liverpool?
Liverpool will have to face Villarreal again next week to play the second leg.
Before that, however, they will have to return to the Premier League, where they are fighting a close title race with Manchester City.
The Reds will battle it out with in-form Newcastle at St. James’ Park on Saturday before meeting the Yellow Submarines three days later.
Player Ratings
Liverpool: Alisson (6), Alexander-Arnold (8), Konate (6), Van Dijk (7), Robertson (7), Fabinho (8), Henderson (7), Thiago (8), Diaz (7), Mane (8).
Bench: Gomez (6), Jota (7), Keita (6), Origi (6).
Villarreal: Rulli (6), Foyth (5), Albiol (7), Torres (6), Estupinan (5), Chukwueze (5), Parejo (6), Capoue (6), Coquelin (5), Lo Celso (6), Danjuma (5).
Bench: Aurier (6), Trigueros (6), Alcacer (6), Pedraza (7), Dia (6).
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