UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals preview: Liverpool FC vs Villarreal CF
By Tiago Soares
On 27th April 2022, Villarreal will make the trip to England, where they will face Liverpool at Anfield in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. This historic ground has been the focal point for so many beautiful footballing moments, making it the perfect stage for a highly anticipated European clash.
In front of a vocal and passionate Anfield crowd, we expect the atmosphere to be buzzing with the famous ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ song kicking off the match. A monumental night for the Yellow Submarine as they reach the semi-final stage for the second time in the club’s history and the first time in 16 years, where their campaign fell short to Arsenal back in the 2005/06 season. Liverpool have impressively booked their place in their third semi-finals in five years and will be aiming to reach their tenth European Cup final, at the expense of a Villarreal team who are hoping to play in their first.
Taking a look back on the Reds’ quarter-final, they proceeded to the next round after knocking out Portuguese side Benfica, (6–4 on aggregate). Perhaps the most noteworthy element regarding the Reds’ quarter-final win was the display of their sensational squad depth which allowed for players who haven’t played as much as the regulars to obtain some invaluable minutes and experience. Nevertheless, Liverpool are yet to win at Anfield in this season’s knockout rounds and have managed only two home victories in their five UEFA Champions League knockout games at home to Spanish clubs. A positive stat for Unai Emery’s side to boost motivation.
Turning our attention to the Submarine’s quarter-final, they earned their place in the semis after overcoming German champions Bayern Munich, (2–1 on aggregate). A 1–0 home win followed by a 1–1 draw in Germany in which substitute Samu Chukwueze caused utter uproar having scored an 88th-minute equaliser to take Villarreal through to the last four places of the competition.
A truly famous night for the Submarine. They will indeed look to continue making history.
As a matter of fact, Villarreal have had the tougher luck of the draw leading up to this special occasion, therefore, the Yellows will indubitably be entering this tie unintimidated. After impressive results from their clashes against Juventus and Bayern Munich, the Groguets will continue to manifest their Champions League dream with their confidence on an absolute high.
Liverpool achieved a flawless record in the group stages winning all six of their fixtures. They have undoubtedly earned bragging rights as one of the world’s best sides. However, Villarreal’s impressive away results at Juventus and Bayern München in this season’s competition give cause for optimism. Thus, the Submarine have been going on the most thrilling Champions League run. Unai Emery’s men have mesmerised the footballing world through their brilliant display of dedication and organisation as a collective whilst believing right until the final whistle, with credit to Emery’s immaculate tactical plans.
The Beatles Derby
Villarreal’s nickname, the Yellow Submarine, was born after the Beatles released their song in 1966. During the 1967/68 season, the club once again fought for promotion to the Third Division, which they eventually achieved. During matches, a group of young fans began playing this Beatles song on a battery powered record player. And they sang it with their own lyrics: “Amarillo el Submarino es / amarillo es / amarillo es” — “The Submarine is yellow / it is yellow / it is yellow.” Interestingly, The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960, comprised of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. This intriguing connection between the two clubs will produce a form of a ‘Beatles Derby’ contest.
Previous meetings
The sides have only met once before in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League in 2015/16, with Adrián Lopez scoring the only goal of the first leg to earn the Spanish side victory. Ultimately, Jürgen Klopp’s men turned the tie on its head with a 3–0 win at Anfield, with a Bruno Soriano own goal followed in the second half by Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana goals. In the final, Liverpool lost to a Sevilla then managed by current Villarreal manager Unai Emery, notorious for his impeccable winning ability in finals.
Ones to watch:
Arnaut Danjuma
Fan favourite Arnaut Danjuma has not shun away from stepping up in important games. His excellent performances have earned him six Champions League goals in the competition so far, notably also becoming Villarreal’s all-time top scorer in the competition; helping him earn two Player of the Match awards. Not only is Arnaut Danjuma playing well in Europe, but he has also been outstanding domestically. It is worth mentioning that he bagged a brace in his last LaLiga match against Valencia leading his side to seal the win, he will be hoping to replicate this in this last-four tie by continuing his great run of form.
Raúl Albiol
Raúl Albiol has shown that age does not define class through his consistency by starting every European game thus far and having had the better of his opponents in prior Champions League games. Particularly his most recent performance in Germany against Bayern Munich; overcoming the world’s best striker Robert Lewandowski. This dazzling display earned another Player of the Match award to one of the Submarine’s crucial players. Albiol’s fighting spirit and desire to win a football match is incomparable.
Giovani Lo Celso
The engine of the team, Giovani Lo Celso recovers possession on many occasions for the Yellows making him a joy to watch. Besides Lo Celso being an incredibly hard-working player, he is also a very creative minded player as he creates various goal scoring opportunities through his ability of finding that killer-pass to split defences open. Thus, his ability to drive with the ball is extraordinary. Alongside Albiol, he also received a Player of the Match award in the first leg against Bayern.
Injury blow — Alberto Moreno
As Alberto Moreno was declared ruled out for the rest of the season, he will be hugely disappointed not to partake in this tie as he would have been playing against his former club. Admittingly holding a special place in his heart for the Reds, he will be hoping his current Yellows teammates get the job done over Liverpool.
Unambiguously, Liverpool are prominent for being an extremely direct side with their front three players of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané and Diogo Jota constantly causing chaos for any oppositions’ defence. Their relentless finishing ability has primarily originated from Mohammed Salah who is frequently debated as the world’s best player in the present day. At the prime of his footballing career, he is the Premier League’s leading scorer. The Egyptian international will unquestionably be a problem for Villarreal’s backline through his remarkable speed and dribbling ability whilst linking up with teammates in such an effective manner. Furthermore, when analysing the Reds’ central midfielders, Thiago Alcântara has been in fine form as he often controls games through exquisite technique and vision. One cannot deny that Virgil Van Dijk is also one of Jurgen Klopp’s instrumental players as he has shown time after time his solidity establishing his status as one of the world’s best defenders.
Patently, Villarreal will have a huge task on their hands as Liverpool look to lift the trophy once more. Though, Villarreal will be aiming to progress to the final of the competition after already convincingly eliminating two European giants in fine fashion.
The Spanish side have taken down the Italian giants. Then the German giants. And now, it’s the English giants that stand between Villarreal and their first-ever Champions League final. One thing’s for sure, this Wednesday’s Champions League night at Anfield is shaping up to be one of those that dreams are made of.
Endavant!
