The first leg of Liverpool’s Champions League semi-final against Villarreal finished in a 2-0 triumph for Jurgen Klopp’s side at Anfield on Wednesday night.
The Reds had the majority of possession in the first half but were unable to find the breakthrough, and the game was scoreless at halftime.
Thiago came close to putting the hosts ahead, but his 20-yard shot smashed into the crossbar.
Sadio Mane’s shot was deflected millimeters wide of the left post, demonstrating Villarreal’s perseverance once more.
Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Luis Diaz were all active in the final third, shooting from all angles.
Fabinho then thougt he has given Liverpool the lead five minutes into the second half, but their delight was short-lived as Van Dijk was caught offside in the build-up and the goal was chalked off.
Before the Reds still managed to take the lead three minutes later when Henderson’s cross rebounded off Estupinan and escaped Rulli at his near post.
Salah released Henderson into space with the intention of delivering a cross into the centre.
Rulli gets a touch on it but could keep it out as Estupinan accidentally deflects it into the net with a boot.
In the 55th minute, Mane increased the lead by receiving Salah’s throughball and beating Rulli with a low shot.
Salah works his way into the Villarreal box before threading a throughball to his running teammate.
Mane beats Rulli to the ball and unleashed a perfect strike in the bottom-right corner.
A big first-leg performance from the Reds ?#UCL | #LIVVIL pic.twitter.com/jLEMjlQxDr
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 27, 2022
Jurgen Klopp’s team will go to El Madrigal with a two-goal advantage, putting them in a strong position to reach the final.
The Yellow Submarine has a lot on their plate for the coming week.
Liverpool’s next Premier League fixture is against Newcastle United on Saturday.
On the same day, Villarreal is in LaLiga action versus Alaves.