At the break of “Anfield” is without goals after a difficult first 45 minutes in the semifinals of the Champions League.
Unai Emery’s team made its intentions very clear within two minutes when goalkeeper Jeronimo Rully executed 30 seconds after a goal kick, much to the chagrin of the dig behind him.
The first chance for Liverpool in the match fell to Sadio Mane, when he came across a cross by Mohamed Salah, but he failed to direct his header with the ball just behind him.
Jordan Henderson’s cross almost found its way to the near post before Luis Diaz saved a few shots from a distance. Giovanni Lo Celso, hired by Tottenham, made a brilliant block to deny Salah and the Egyptian then moved the crossbar at close range while Liverpool gained pressure.
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They came closest to the opening goal a few minutes before the break, when Tiago tried his luck from 30 yards, only to see his brilliant shot from the outside of the crossbar.
With Malik Uziya at Anfield and starting at 20:00 BST, follow the whole action with the Standard Sport LIVE blog below …
The latest news from Liverpool against Villarreal
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Liverpool players rating
Thiago Alcantara 8
He almost scored another great goal in the Champions League when he shook the wooden frames from a distance and was again one step ahead in possession.
Sadio Mane 7
He missed the best chance of the first half when he hit wide, then saw the shot reflected along the crossbar. He achieved his goal and seemed angry to be withdrawn.
Mo Salah 7
Lively in the first half, he tried to find his way through the barricade of yellow shirts and did just that when he set up Manet shortly after the break.
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Jordan Henderson’s thoughts after the match
Jordan Henderson was proud of Liverpool’s patience and avoided disappointment before taking control of the tie.
“They are a very organized team and we knew they would make it difficult,” Henderson told BT Sport.
“It was just important to keep going and believe that we would eventually break them. We did this with two good goals.
“The first one was a little lucky. Good sum, but a little luck, I think away from the defender and the goalkeeper. But you need a little luck when a team plays with a low block. We understood this and the crowd rose.
“For most of the match, the counter-press was really good. This made it difficult for them.
“But the game is still alive and will be difficult at Villarreal.”
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Not the most ambitious performances …
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How Mane doubled the lead …
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FT: Liverpool 2-0 Villarreal
Easy night work for Liverpool.
Villarreal kept them at bay for 45 minutes, but it always felt like a goal was coming.
Two came in so many minutes and they are on the verge of a third final in the Champions League under Klopp.
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90 + 2 minutes: Only the added two minutes at Anfield.
It was an absolute cruise for Liverpool.
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89 minutes: Outrageously good from Lo Celso, withdraws from three Liverpool players and then passes Fabinho.
He thinks he is far in the middle of the field, but Fabinho returns to come in and kill the ball. Lo Celso takes a free-kick … Lo Celso doesn’t get a free kick.
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87 minutes: Alison has something to do!
Dia from behind, makes an ambitious effort. He almost reaches the Brazilian and he throws himself on the ball.
He could watch him roll past him in the back of the net, but the offside flag was raised.
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84 minutes: Konate wipes the free ball, turns and then fouls for his side.
He has not yet tasted defeat in the Liverpool shirt – this will not happen tonight either.
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81 minutes: The ball falls for Fabinho right in the penalty area, his shot is blocked almost immediately. Good protection from Albiol.
Klopp turns back to his bench. Alexander-Arnold and Diaz will be replaced by Gomez and Origgi.
Home fans are very happy to see Origi again.
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