Liverpool recorded a 2-0 win over Villarreal in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday night.
The Spanish side initially succeeded in keeping out the Reds and went in at half-time on level terms at Anfield. However, Jordan Henderson’s deflected cross found its way into the net, shortly after the break, before Sadio Mane’s instinctive finish ensured a quick-fire double for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Villarreal had been the surprise package of this year’s competition, with Unai Emery’s side having knocked out both Juventus and Bayern Munich in previous rounds. Though the Yellow Submarine now face an uphill task to pull off a similar shock result at the El Madrigal next week.
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Fabinho and Andy Robertson also saw goals ruled out for offside during the game as Liverpool remained largely untroubled throughout. The return leg is set to take place next Tuesday as the Reds look to book a place in their third Champions League final in five years.
The victory means Liverpool are still in the hunt for the quadruple this season and face a trip to Newcastle this weekend as the team continue to fight for the Premier League title. Here’s how the players reacted on social media after another European night at Anfield.
Both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate were aware that Liverpool had not overcome Villarreal just yet. The England international wrote on social media “Part II on Tuesday”, while Konate posted: “Only halftime.”
For Jordan Henderson , who was partly responsible for giving his side the lead, the size of the occasion was not lost on the Liverpool skipper: "Special nights them…Big Job to do next week!" And midfield partner Thiago also appreciated being a part of a European Cup semi-final win at Anfield: "These are the nights YNWA."
Andy Robertson acknowledged how hard the Reds had worked against the Spanish side, he said on Instagram: “BIG team performance! Still work to do.” Elsewhere, despite not getting on the pitch, James Milner praised his teammates, writing on social media: “High level performance from the boys on another special Anfield night.”
