Liverpool scored twice in the space two second half minutes to beat Villarreal 2-0 at Anfield, thanks to a Pervis Estupinan own goal and Sadio Mané’s record equalling 14th goal in the UEFA Champions League knockout round.
Sadio Mane of Liverpool FC celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg One match between Liverpool and Villarreal at Anfield on April 27, 2022 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Gottschalk/vi/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
The Reds were without a doubt the better side on the night, keeping their Spanish opponent rooted to their own half for most part of the game, having over 70 percentage of the possession and having a go at Villarreal’s goal 19 times.
A well organized Villarreal defence repelled everything the host threw at them in the first half of the encounter, although the visitors also have their goalkeeper, Geronimo Rulli to thank for denying Luis Diaz on multiple occasions, while Thiago and Henderson also hit the woodwork.
Mohamed Salah spurned a couple of chances while the defence were also kept busy making several blocks as Liverpool severely mount the pressure to break the deadlock.
The goals however would not come in the first half but five minutes into the second half, Fabinho had the ball in the back of the net for the host. Unfortunately, Van Dijk was offside in the buildup so the goal did not stand.
Liverpool though would not be denied for longer and three minutes after Fabinho’s effort was ruled out, The Reds finally have the lead.
Captain, Jordan Henderson’s cross deflected off Pervis Estupinan, leavjng Rulli helpless as he was beaten at his near post. Henderson aimed his cross into the heart of the six yard but Ecuadorian defender, Estupinan’s outstretched leg diverted to Rullli’s goal.
Two minutes later, Sadio Mané pokes home from close range after some beautiful individual brilliance by Mohamed Salah to tee up his compatriot for his 14th goal in the knockout rounds of the competition, equaling the record for most by an African player, set by former Ivorian captain, Didier Drogba.
Sadio Mané scored his 14th Champions League knockout round goal to equal the record most for an African player set by Didier Drogba. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool went on to a 2-0 win under less pressure from Villarreal, who now have a mountain to climb in the return leg next week at the Estadio de la Ceramica in Villarreal, Spain.
Liverpool have now won 20 of their last 24 games across all competitions and having already secured the Carabao Cup, they will be looking to add the Champions League, Premier League and the FA Cup titles in their remaining games this season.
They are currently one point behind Manchester City in the league with five games to go. It is also possible that they meet the Pep Guardiola side in the final of the Champions League should they both get the better of their opponents.
Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
