Liverpool entertained Villarreal at Anfield earlier tonight as they looked to earn a positive result in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal clash. The Reds made a dominant start to the game but struggled to find the cutting edge in the final third as they went into the half-time break with a goalless scoreline.
The home team finally got their noses ahead in the 53rd minute when Pervis Estupinan scored an unfortunate own goal. Just two minutes later, Sadio Mane doubled Liverpool’s advantage with a poked finish from close range. The match ended with Liverpool securing an impressive 2-0 win in front of their home supporters.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player performed during the clash against Villarreal.
GK: Alisson Becker – 6.5/10
The Brazilian keeper didn’t have a save to make in the game and earned an easy clean sheet at Anfield.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8/10
The English full-back was solid at the back and made a few excellent chances in the final third.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – 8/10
He didn’t put a foot wrong when defending inside his half and secured a well-deserved clean sheet tonight.
CB: Virgil Van Dijk – 7.5/10
The Dutch centre-back was strong in the air and composed on the ball. He read the danger well when needed and managed to restrict the opposition from scoring.
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LB: Andrew Robertson – 7.5/10
The Scotland international was full of energy down the left wing and managed to engineer some inviting openings for his teammates up top.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 7/10
Henderson played a key role in the lead-up to Estupinan’s own goal in the 53rd minute. He helped Liverpool dominate the midfield battle throughout his time on the field.
CM: Fabinho – 7.5/10
The Brazilian midfield ace got stuck in with some solid tackles and made a few crucial interceptions for his side. He also created a couple of decent chances in the final third.
CM: Thiago Alcantara – 8/10
The Spaniard ran the show for the Reds from midfield by putting in another passing masterclass. He was unlucky to hit the crossbar with his goalbound attempt in the first half.
RW: Mohamed Salah – 7/10
Salah showed some signs of promise but didn’t do enough to score. Still, he deserves credit for picking up an assist after setting up Mane’s goal.
ST: Sadio Mane – 8/10
He linked up play well with others around him and scored Liverpool’s second goal with a tidy finish.
LW: Luis Diaz – 7/10
Diaz caused all sorts of problems for the opposition but didn’t do enough to get his name on the scoresheet.
Substitutes:
CM: Naby Keita – 6/10
He struggled to influence the game.
ST: Diogo Jota – 6/10
Jota made one encouraging run with the ball.
RB: Joe Gomez – 6/10
He kept things solid at the back.
ST: Divock Origi – 6/10
The Belgian forward didn’t get a sniff at goal.
