24
21:27
Liverpool work out the fourth corner. That’s another Trent Alexander-Arnold thing. Nothing comes of this standard situation.
22
21:25
There is no question that the hosts are variable. Now Jordan Henderson steals away on the right side of the box, volleys Fabinho’s long diagonal ball with the inside right. Gerónimo Rulli seals the short corner and lets the ball go to the right outer post and then out of goal.
20
21:23
In this phase there is some calm. This is entirely in the interests of the guests. And Liverpool seems satisfied that they have at least found the way to the goal. This can be built on later.
17
21:20
As against Bayern Munich, Villarreal is not at all upset. The men from Unai Emery almost stubbornly play down their boots, still believing that one day they will get their chance. Why should the Spaniards move away from their proven approach.
15
21:18
The next shot on goal is not long in coming. So Liverpool are now coming to a close – now through Andrew Robertson. His left shot does not force Gerónimo Rulli to intervene.
14
21:16
Luis Díaz fires from half left of the edge of the penalty area. The right-footed shot is not particularly well placed. However, Gerónimo Rulli bounces and only throws himself on the ball after the second grab.
12
21:15
Then the hosts bring in the pace for the first time. Sadio Mané sends Mo Salah on the right wing. He hits a hook there, then crosses with his left foot. In the meantime, Mané has reached the sixteenth and is free to head the ball there. But the timing is not right, which is why the striker misses this great opportunity.
10
21:13
Now the guests make it deep into the opponent’s half for the first time and are awarded a corner. Dani Parejo’s execution is of mediocre quality. And on a second attempt and the pass from Pervis Estupiñán, Arnaut Danjuma is just offside.
9
21:11
Trent Alexander-Arnold steps into action on the right, finding Mo Salah’s skull with his cross. The Egyptian misses the target with his header.
8
21:10
Liverpool gets the first corner kick of the encounter. Andrew Robertson kicks him in from the left. Ibrahima Konaté makes the thing sharp with a head, Sadio Mané jumps the ball too far away when accepting it. Pau Torres clears things up for Villarreal at the expense of another corner.
7
21:08
For the first time there is something like a Spanish attempt to attack. Juan Foyth has just crossed the halfway line and then plays the bad pass.
6
21:07
The events are constantly taking place in half of the guests. Liverpool are patiently working their way forward step by step. Jürgen Klopp’s men still can’t find a gap.
4
21:06
Nothing is happening in this rhythm. There is obviously the opinion: two games, at least 180 minutes – that’s a lot of time. So why should we rush anything? The Manchester City boys saw things differently yesterday.
2
21:03
As expected, the hosts take the initiative. The Reds lead the ball but take it easy for now. So there are still no significant scenes.
1
21:01
Everything is done. Anfield is filled to capacity. At twelve degrees and loosely cloudy conditions prevail, which the brilliant lawn makes perfect.
20:55
The club history of Liverpool FC, which is aiming for its fifth final in the Champions League, is much more glorious. In 2005 and 2019, the Reds won the title and, including successes in the European Cup, increased their record to a total of six triumphs in Europe’s most important club competition. And that’s just the peak of the track record.
20:50
Although Villarreal only won the first notable title in the club’s history last year, the Europa League winner in the premier class has actually sniffed the air in the semi-finals. On their debut in the 2005/2006 season, the Submarino amarillo reached the semi-finals and narrowly lost to Arsenal. In the club’s fourth premier class participation, they are again in the top four.
20:45
While it is already certain that Liverpool will play in the Champions League again next season, Villarreal is a long way from it. In La Liga there are currently nine points missing from the corresponding table regions. Still, it could be enough for international business Since cup winners Real Betis are currently ahead of Unai Emery’s team, 7th place would be enough for the Conference League. That’s exactly the position Villarreal currently holds. A good form can not be denied the East Spaniards. They have been unbeaten in five competitive games. Among them were three wins – one away at Getafe (2-1). The last defeat dates back to earlier this month when UD Levante lost 2-0.
20:40
Liverpool can be described as extremely strong. Jürgen Klopp’s men have only suffered one defeat this calendar year. That happened at home against Inter (0-1) in the round of 16 in early March. The Reds had previously won 2-0 away. So the only bankruptcy in the current competition had no consequences. Nationally, the team from north-west England is rushing from victory to victory anyway. Liverpool still have three title chances in the coming weeks. The League Cup was secured at the end of February. The FA Cup final against Chelsea is due in mid-May. And in addition to the premier class, it is also about the championship title in the Premier League. Leaders Manchester City are just a point ahead.
20:32
So now the second English-Spanish meeting is coming up. In the duel between the second in the Premier League and the seventh in the Primera División, the role of favorites is clearly divided. In this phase of the competition, however, there can no longer be any talk of an easy draw. In any case, the Reds should take FC Bayern Munich as a warning example. The German record champions believed in a solvable task against Villarreal and was sunk by a yellow submarine.
20:23
Compared to the last league game on Sunday, Jürgen Klopp made three changes. In place of Joel Matip, Naby Keïta and Diogo Jota, who will sit on the bench, Liverpool will have Ibrahima Konaté, Jordan Henderson and Luis Díaz in their starting XI. There are also three changes on the part of the guests. Here Aïssa Mandi, Manu Trigueros (both bench) and Yeremy Pino (not in the squad) are not in the starting line-up. Pau Torres, Francis Coquelin and Samuel Chukwueze play for this from the start. Gerard Moreno, on the other hand, did not get fit in time and is completely absent.
20:05
Welcome to the second semi-final first leg of the Champions League! After the grandiose spectacle yesterday in Manchester, a second club from the Premier League is required today. And Liverpool FC is also dealing with a Spanish club. Villarreal FC is visiting Anfield. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 CEST.