In the race for four titles, Jürgen Klopp remains undeterred with Liverpool FC. In the first leg of the semi-finals of the Champions League, the Reds and their German team manager defeated Bayern conqueror FC Villarreal 2-0 (0-0) at home on Anfield Road. A narrow defeat in Spain next Tuesday would be enough to reach the final in the premier class for the fifth time.
Three days after the 2-0 win over Everton in the Merseyside Derby, Klopp’s team dominated the game against the “yellow submarine” from the start, but it was only a double strike shortly after the break that broke the defensive bulwark: a cross from captain Jordan Henderson faked Pervis Estupinan unstoppable for goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli (53′), then Sadio Mané scored after a pass from Mohamed Salah (55′).
Liverpool, who have only suffered one defeat this year, are still keeping an eye on the “Quadruple”: The traditional club won the League Cup back in February. Chelsea are waiting for the FA Cup final on May 14, while the Reds are just a point behind leaders Manchester City in the Premier League.
Against the Europa League winners of the previous season, who had surprisingly knocked out the German record champions Munich in the quarter-finals (1-0, 1-1), the hosts looked for the chance to take an early lead. After a cross from his ideal strike partner Salah, Mané missed the goal with a header (12′).
A little unorthodox, Henderson tried a shot from a very acute angle at the outside of the post (23′). The ten yellow field players kept gathering in their own penalty area, blocking the middle and forcing the Reds to the outside.
Liverpool constrict Villarreal
In this way, Salah got into the penalty area after a one-two with Mané, but flicked the ball over the goal (27′). Mané was unlucky, whose deflected shot just missed the target (33′).
Villarreal was hardly able to relieve the pressure, as Liverpool immediately stopped any offensive attempts with strong pressing. Because there were no passing opportunities at the top, ex-Munich Thiago tried a shot from 25 meters – and hit the crossbar (42nd). So it was zero at half time – despite twelve shots on goal.
The spell broke after the change of sides, but only with the help of the guests. The seventh-placed player in the Primera Division did not change his defensive orientation even after that. Liverpool remained oppressively superior.