Liverpool 2-0 Villarreal: Reds take control of semi-final clash

Liverpool took management of their Champions League semi-final tie in opposition to Spanish facet Villarreal due to a hard-fought 2-0 win at Anfield on Wednesday night time. 

The Reds began the match on a excessive in opposition to the Yellow Submarines, who knocked out Juventus and Bayern Munich on their option to the final 4. 

Regardless of their early possession, Jurgen Klopp’s facet couldn’t create clear possibilities within the opening half an hour because the guests’ protection stood agency. 

The primary actual try on aim got here within the thirty first minute when Luis Diaz picked up the ball, dribbled to the sting of the penalty space, and unleashed a superb shot, however was thwarted by an honest save from Geronimo Rulli.

Simply earlier than the break, Thiago acquired right into a capturing place from manner out, however his shot crashed in opposition to the crossbar. 

Liverpool upped the tempo within the second half as they went for the elusive aim early on. 

5 minutes in, they thought they’d the opener when Fabinho discovered the again of the web, however his effort was dominated out for offside a lot to the frustration of the gamers and followers.

Three minutes later although, Liverpool go their first aim when Pervis Estupinan tried to dam Jordan Henderson’s cross, nevertheless it resulted in his personal web.

Two minutes later, Liverpool surprised the guests with the second aim of the match, turning the conflict on its head. 

Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah performed a stunning one-two, with the latter discovering the Senegalese with a neat ball to simply beat the goalkeeper with a neat end into the underside proper nook.

Andy Robertson additionally had an effort dominated off for offside as Liverpool went for the third aim that might give them the much-needed cushion. 

Diaz and Salah got here shut within the closing phases of the match, however there have been no extra objectives because the match ended 2-0 in favour of the hosts forward of subsequent week’s return leg.