We have reached the semi-final stage of the 2021/22 Champions League and on Wednesday the 27th of April we have a meeting between Liverpool and Villarreal. This is the first leg of the semi-final and it will be played at Anfield, giving Liverpool home advantage.
Liverpool come into the match on the back of a hard fought 2-0 win over Everton at home in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Up next... our #UCL semi-final first leg ✊🔴 pic.twitter.com/I5WPMorkgv— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 25, 2022
Up next... our #UCL semi-final first leg ✊🔴 pic.twitter.com/I5WPMorkgv
The Toffees made life tough for Liverpool who were forced to wait until the 62nd minute to make the breakthrough. They doubled their advantage in the 85th minute to secure maximum points and remain 1 point behind Manchester City.
That result means Liverpool are undefeated in their last 10 matches in all competitions. Interestingly, their most recent defeat came at home in the Champions League against Inter Milan in the round of 16. The 1-0 loss was not costly as Liverpool had won the first leg 2-0 in Italy but it was still a disappointing defeat.
Trends show Liverpool have recorded 1 victory from their 3 most recent Champions League fixtures. The win came away from home against Benfica in the quarter-final and the home leg finished in an entertaining 3-3 draw.
Therefore, Liverpool have failed to win their last 2 home Champions League matches but they are undefeated in 7 of their last 8 on home soil.
Both teams have scored in 3 of Liverpool’s 5 most recent home Champions League games.
Villarreal make the trip to Anfield having beat Valencia 2-0 at home in their most recent fixture in La Liga. The game was played back on the 19th of April and Villarreal scored 2 early goals to take maximum points.
The victory over Valencia means Villarreal are undefeated in their last 5 games in all competitions. That run includes 2 matches against Bayern Munich.
One at home which finished 1-0 in favour of the Yellow Submarine and the other in Germany that ended 1-1 to see Villarreal through to the semi-final.
Villarreal are currently on a 5 match unbeaten run in the Champions League, including wins over Juventus and Atalanta away. They are undefeated in their last 4 on the road, winning 3 of those games and Villarreal have scored at least once in each of their last 5 away trips in the Champions League.
Team news and Liverpool should be at full strength for this game. Roberto Firmino is the only player who may not be available for the hosts.
Villarreal will be without the injured duo of Gerard Moreno and Alberto Moreno, with the former being a miss in attack.
This may not be the comfortable win for Liverpool many are expecting and Villarreal could make life difficult for the hosts. The Spanish club could find the back of the net but Liverpool showed against Everton they can break down defensive blocks. Liverpool should come out on top, with both teams scoring.