Villarreal lose to Liverpool and will try and fight back in front of their fans
Villarreal lost to Liverpool an Anfield. Unai Emery’s side lost in the first leg against the Reds, who were better than the Yellows. Despite the defeat, the Groguets are still in the game and will try and fight back in the second leg.
For the historic night at Anfield, Emery linked up with a recognisable starting XI, made up of: Rulli, Foyth, R. Albiol, Pau, Estupiñán, Capoue, Coquelin, Parejo, Chukwueze, Lo Celso and Danjuma.
Liverpool FC started the match quickly. They pressed high and the Reds tried to stop the Submarine from playing, making it hard for the Yellows to play the ball out from the back.
The first goalscoring chances went to the English side. In the tenth minute, Mohamed Salah played a great ball through to Sadio Mané, whose shot went off target. Halfway through the first half, Jürgen Klopp’s side went close again. Jordan Henderson’s powerful effort hit the post.
In the 42nd minute, Thiago hit the woodwork, which saved Villarreal once more. The Spanish midfielder’s powerful effort from 30 yards hit the top of Gero Rulli’s post. After an impressive defensive performance by the Submarine, it was 0-0 at half-time.
In the 53rd minute, Villarreal conceded a goal to make it 1-0 in an unfortunate piece of play. Henderson’s cross from the right hit Pervis Estupiñán’s boot and ended up in the back of the net. Luck wasn’t with Villarreal.
Two minutes later, and capitalising on the blow of the first goal, Mané scored the second at Anfield. It was a shock for Emery’s side, with half an hour left. Villarreal tried to cut one back, but were unable to. The Submarine will try and get a miracle at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
Lineups:
Liverpool FC: Alisson Becker; Alexander-Arnold (Joe Gomez, m. 81), Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson (Keita, m. 72), Fabinho, Thiago Alcántara; Luis Díaz (Origi, m. 81), Mané (Jota, m. 72), Salah.
Villarreal CF: Rulli; Foyth, R. Albiol, Pau Torres, Estupiñán (Aurier, m. 72); Chukwueze (Dia, m. 72), Parejo (M. Trigueros, m. 72), Capoue, Coquelin (A. Pedraza, m. 57); Lo Celso, Danjuma (Paco Alcácer, m. 86).
Goals: 1-0. Min. 53: Henderson. 2-0. Min. 55: Mané.
Referee: Szymon Marcinak (Poland). Booked: Van Dijk (Liverpool); Estupiñán and Lo Celso (Villarreal).
Matchday information: Match between Liverpool FC and Villarreal CF, corresponding to the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals at Anfield.
