Liverpool has taken control of the Champions League semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Villarreal at Anfield.
Throughout, the home side dominated, outpacing Villarreal in terms of speed, intensity, and quality.
Even though Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara hit the post in the first half, Villarreal’s defensive prowess tormented Liverpool at times. However, after the break, the dam ruptured.
In the 53rd minute, Pervis Estupinan deflected Henderson’s cross into the net, and two minutes later, Sadio Mane punched Mo Salah’s excellent pass into the net from close range.
Villarreal was pleased to escape Anfield without more damage despite not having a single shot on target. Although the match is still ongoing, Liverpool is heavy favorites to go to the final in Paris.
Liverpool has had a relatively easy road to the final four, having won all six of their group games before eliminating Inter and Benfica.
Villarreal has been the surprise package this season, placing second to Manchester United in their group before shocking Juventus with a 3-0 triumph in the second leg following a 1-1 draw in the first.
In the quarterfinals, they stunned everyone by knocking out Bayern Munich with a late second-leg winner from Samuel Chukwueze.
Jordan Henderson, defender Ibrahima Konate, and striker Luis Diaz replace Naby Keita, Joel Matip, and Diogo Jota, respectively, from the win over Everton.
The match began not too long Inside Anfield, and there were already a fantastic mood.
Emery has progressed from 84 percent of his Europa League/Champions League knockout fixtures (31/37) since the start of the 2009-10 season, the initial Europa League campaign.
This is the second-best ratio of any manager who has managed at least ten teams, trailing only Zinedine Zidane (14/16 – 88%), a three-time Champions League winner.
Last night’s game was plainly different, with different teams. It was a nice watch since there was a lot of free space and Real Madrid had some incredible individual skills.
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