Liverpool cruised to a two-goal victory in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final clash with Villarreal, with one Reds ace earning a nine on a night when their press came to the fore.
The Reds were the team in charge throughout a frustrating first half that saw chances come and go. Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara both struck the woodwork, while the finishing of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah was uncharacteristically wayward.
Liverpool kept their heads after the break and broke the deadlock in unlikely fashion through Jordan Henderson. The captain’s attempted cross looped up off Pervis Estupinan’s outstretched boot and lobbed goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
One quickly became two when neat interplay with Mohamed Salah saw Sadio Mane prod past Rulli from close range.
That quickfire double did little to change Villarreal’s plans who remained content to soak up pressure and remain in the tie heading back to Spain. But with a two-goal lead, it is Liverpool who are the overwhelming favourites to make their third Champions League final in five years.
Liverpool (4-3-3)
Alisson Becker: Practically a bystander in the first half with the ball almost exclusively in Villarreal’s half. Could’ve sipped on a cup of tea in the second half with his biggest issue how to stay warm. 6/10
Trent Alexander-Arnold: Always forward-thinking with his distribution from right-back and could’ve grabbed an assist if Salah’s finishing was on point. Rarely tested defensively but did what was required when the times came. 7
Ibrahima Konate: Showed his aerial prowess early when nodding down to Mane who spurned a glorious chance from five yards out. Little to do prior to the break but drew a roar from the Anfield crowd when proving too much man for Chukwueze in a duel. Cruised through the second half with his record of never having lost a match when starting for Liverpool still intact. 8
Virgil van Dijk: Typically imposing display in the first half. Marshalled those…
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