Liverpool are in control of the Champions League semi-final after an emphatic 2-0 victory over Villarreal at Anfield.

 

The home side dominated throughout, overwhelming Villarreal with their speed, intensity and quality.

 

Villarreal’s defensive excellence frustrated Liverpool at times in the first half, even though Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara hit the post. But the dam burst after the break.

 

Henderson’s cross deflected in off Pervis Estupinan in the 53rd minute, and two minutes later Sadio Mane poked Mo Salah’s clever pass into the net from close range.

 

Villarreal, who didn’t have a single shot on target, were happy to get away from Anfield without further damage. The tie is not over, but Liverpool are strong favourites to reach the final in Paris.

It was a brilliant game. The first half I liked a lot – the only problem was that we didn’t score. But we kept them quiet and controlled their counter-attacking threat. I was really proud of the first half, and in the second half we finished things off. Both goals were outstanding.

 

“In football it’s always the same: you show respect for the opponent by the way you defend against them, and I liked what we did a lot. The counter-press was outstanding.

 

“It’s half-time, nothing else, but it’s better than before the game. This is not over, we know that. It’s all fine.”

Jordan Henderson

 

“They’re a very organised team, we knew they’d make it difficult. We had the confidence that if we kept moving the ball quickly, eventually we’d break them down., and we did that with two good goals. [The first goal got a deflection?] Did it? I thought it went straight in! Nah it was a good build up, a little bit lucky with the way it went in, but that lifted the crowd and then we got another one.

 

“I thought for most of the game our counter-press was really good. When we lost the ball high up the pitch, the reaction to win it back caused them problems. But they’re a good team, hard to break down, and the tie is still alive.”

 

Andy Robertson

 

“The first goal gave us a bit of momentum – the noise was incredible and it helped us to get another one. We’d have a love, but two goals and a clean sheet … we can’t argue with that. Our intensity has been really high the last few games. We’re enjoying it and I think you saw that today. There’s still a lot to do but we’re happy with our work tonight.

“The message from Hendo and the gaffer at half-time was that we were playing well and needed to stay patient. And luckily with a big deflection, we managed to get the breakthrough!”