Football commentary Liverpool vs Villarreal Champions League semi-final

Semi-final Champions League 2021/22 witnessed the confrontation between representatives of English and Spanish football. Compared to the match Man City vs Real Madrid, the pair Liverpool with Villarreal much more difference. But, in the round for the four strongest teams, no team was mediocre.

The power of Liverpool

Liverpool is at the most stressful stage of the 2021/22 season when the championship races come to a sprint. The Kop still hope to win the treble. Jurgen Klopp’s teachers and students have the League Cup, reached the final of the FA Cup, the semi-finals of the Champions League and the distance between them and Man City in the Premier League is only one point. .

That also means a lot of pressure on the Merseyside team. Liverpool have just struggled to get 3 points against a team that is in the relegation group, with the decisive goal being scored by Divock Origi.

In terms of force, Liverpool is of course still more appreciated, not to mention the home field advantage. History is also temporarily on The Kop’s side. The two teams met in the Europa League semi-finals in the 2015/16 season. Liverpool lost 0-1 in the first leg but won again 3-0 in the rematch.

Coach Jurgen Klopp has in hand the most complete force in the next match. Roberto Firmino is the only case that is not physically fit, but the German strategist is not too worried when Luis Diaz is playing extremely well. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah is too hungry because he only needs 3 more goals in the Champions League to reach the 36-goal milestone of Sergio Aguero and Didier Drogba – 2 Premier League players who score the most in Europe’s number one arena. Europe.

Submarines do not sink

Despite the nickname “Golden Submarine”, Villarreal did not sink. On the contrary, they are the most prominent name next to the giants of European football like Real Madrid, Manchester City and their upcoming opponent – Liverpool.

The team that is considered the “dark horse” of this season has defeated 2 formidable opponents, namely Juventus and Bayern Munich on their way to the semi-finals. That makes all formulas to compare strength in the confrontation with Liverpool meaningless.

Overcoming Bayern Munich is Villarreal’s impressive feat. Therefore, coach Unai Emery’s team is qualified to stretch and face Liverpool in the next 2 matches. Villarreal has reason to believe in a positive result at Anfield – the same team’s previous performances.

In terms of force, the Spanish team could not use Alberto Moreno because of a ligament injury. In addition, Villarreal’s main striker, Gerard Moreno, has not yet recovered from a thigh muscle injury. It is definitely a big loss for the visitors’ attack, although coach Emery has had to manage many times without this striker on the field.

Probable teams

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Diaz

Villarreal: Rulli; Foyth, Albiol, Torres, Estupinan; Parejo, Coquelin, Capoue; Lo Celso; Chukwueze, Danjuma

Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Villarreal