Villarreal left Anfield defeated but alive

Villarreal, who dream of playing in their first Champions League final, will have to overcome a 2-0 defeat on May 3 at La Cerámica stadium, in the second leg against Liverpool, to land in Paris on the 28th. But, in the game, on occasions, it can be said that Villarreal came out alive at Anfield on Wednesday and the result is the best news for the team led by Unai Emery.

Liverpool started the first half at full speed, under pressure, relentless attacking, a common scenario in ‘reds’ games, but Villarreal resisted. Unai Emery’s team (who in 2005-06 won a Europa League final against Liverpool with Sevilla, already led by Jürgen Klopp) knew how to successfully defend themselves and were able to bring down the revolutions of ‘reds’. The ‘groguet’ attacked the bands and forced the ‘reds’ to seek their opportunities from the outside.

Liverpool had chances in the first half, such as a header by Sadio Mané (a pass from Mohamed Salah) that went up, a shot by Salah right over the goal, another deflected by Mané and most of all the Thiago Alcantara’s shot hit the post.

Pau Torres had to be treated after being hit when he entered the ball from a free kick delivered by Trent Alexander-Arnold, but the Vila-real defender was immediately back in the fight.

Villarreal struggled in the first half, but not so much in the second, where Liverpool resumed the siege on Gerónimo Rulli’s goal. This time Unai Emery’s team didn’t stop the ‘reds’. In two nightmare minutes for Villarreal, the ‘groguets’ conceded two goals. In the 53rd minute, after Salah’s pass, Jordan Henderson crossed and the ball was deflected by Pervis Estupiñán to his own goal, with Rulli doing nothing to stop it.

Thiago Alcántara was at the start of play for Liverpool’s first goal, as well as the second, where, after a turn, Salah assisted Mané, who very well finished with a shot with his right foot. Klopp’s staff had a goal from Fabinho that was disallowed due to offside.

Villarreal tried to get close to Liverpool’s goal, but with almost his only shot on goal, by Boulaye Dia, he was signaled offside. The ‘reds’ prevented Unai Emery’s plans for Danjuma and Samu Chukwueze from interfering with Alisson’s goal to be accomplished. 20 shots from Liverpool, one from Villarreal and where the play was annulled. Raúl Albiol ended the game crippled, the image of a Villarreal constantly struggling and dreaming of the Stade de France final.