Liverpool vs. Villarreal score, updates, highlights & lineups from Champions League semi-final first leg

By | April 27, 2022
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Liverpool face Villarreal at Anfield in the first leg of this Champions League semi-final tie.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are still chasing the quadruple but know that they won’t be able to take anything for granted against a Villarreal team that are likely to be well organised again.

Villarreal, the current Europa League holders, caused a major upset in the quarter-finals as they managed to get the better of Bayern Munich.

The winners of this game will face either Manchester City or Real Madrid in the final. 

The Sporting News is following the match live and providing score updates and commentary below.

MORE: How Emery turned Arsenal weakness into Champions League strength

Liverpool vs. Villarreal live score

  1H 2H Final
Liverpool 0 — —
Villarreal 0 — —

Goals: —

Liverpool vs. Villarreal live updates and highlights from Champions League semi-final

Half time: Liverpool 0-0 Villarreal: The game is goalless at the break. Liverpool have tried their utmost to break the deadlock but Villarreal have managed to withstand the pressure so far. Thiago has come closest to scoring. 

40 mins: Foyth makes an excellent challenge as Villarreal deal with the danger. Can they get through to half time with their clean sheet intact? Thiago then strikes the post with a dipping effort. 

33 mins: Mane turns and has an effort deflected wide. Salah’s effort is deflected over from the resultant corner, with Lo Celso defending well. Shortly afterwards Alexander-Arnold delivers an excellent cross but Salah’s shot lacks conviction. At the other end Lo Celso makes an intelligent run but can’t connect properly with the ball.

30 mins: Diaz looks a major threat for Liverpool, with the winger going for goal again and testing Rulli with a powerful effort. Liverpool are looking to increase the intensity now. Van Dijk is booked for a foul on Chukwueze. 

25 mins: Diaz drifts a little more centrally as he tries to combine with Alexander-Arnold, but Liverpool are still having to be patient as they look to break Villarreal down. Salah then shoots over after being found by Mane. 

21 mins: Thiago finds Jordan Henderson, with the Liverpool captain’s effort striking the underside of the post. 

18 mins: Liverpool will be wary of the threat Villarreal pose on the counter-attack. Unai Emery’s side are trying their best to slow the game down, much to the annoyance of the Liverpool fans. 

14 mins: Diaz’s effort causes problems for Villarreal goalkeeper Rulli, who initially struggles to hold the ball before eventually claiming it. 

12 mins: A good chance for Liverpool as Salah plays a dinked ball in towards Mane, who finds it difficult to make a proper connection as his header goes wide. 

10 mins: Villarreal exert some pressure but the offside flag is raised against Danjuma.

6 mins: Fabinho sends a ball in towards Robertson, whose header goes over. The pattern of the game certainly seems set. 

3 mins: Liverpool have started with a lot of intensity as expected. Will they be able to break down this well-organised Villarreal team?

Kick off: The game is underway.

10 mins to KO: You’ll Never Walk Alone rings around Anfield in the build-up to kick-off. 

15 mins to KO: It will take something special to match the quality of last night’s clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid, but this is still an interesting encounter in its own right. Could Liverpool’s overall quality make the difference?

30 mins to KO: Liverpool’s improved squad depth has been an important factor in their impressive performances. Against Everton last weekend for example Divock Origi and Luis Diaz both made a significant impact off the bench. Diogo Jota is among those named among the substitutes tonight. 

1 hour to KO: Villarreal are renowned for their defensive approach, but they can also pose an attacking threat themselves, with the likes of Samuel Chukwueze and Arnaut Danjuma capable of causing problems for Liverpool.

Villarreal team: 

Liverpool team: Firmino misses out through injury. Konate, Henderson and Diaz replace Matip, Keita and Jota. 

90 mins to KO: The Anfield crowd could certainly have an impact tonight, but Villarreal have plenty of players who have played in this stadium before including former Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin. Villarreal certainly won’t be fazed by the size of the task facing them. 

2 hours to KO: Welcome to The Sporting News’ live coverage of Liverpool vs. Villarreal. The stage is set for another memorable European night at Anfield, but will Liverpool be able to get the better of a Villarreal side that has already knocked out Bayern Munich and Juventus?

Liverpool vs. Villarreal predicted lineups

Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino remains doubtful with a foot problem but Jurgen Klopp should have the rest of his squad available.

Liverpool predicted line-up (4-3-3): Alisson (GK) – Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson – Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago – Salah, Jota, Mane

Former Liverpool defender Alberto Moreno is out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, while Gerard Moreno is sidelined with a hamstring problem.

Villarreal predicted line-up (3-1-3-3): Rulli (GK) – Foyth, Albiol, Torres – Estupiñan – Parejo, Capoue, Coquelin – Lo Celso, Alcácer, Danjuma

MORE: Liverpool’s quadruple chase is still on

How to watch Liverpool vs. Villarreal

  UK USA Canada Australia
Date April 27 April 27 April 27 April 28
Time 20:00 GMT 15:00 ET 15:00 ET 05:00 AET
TV channel BT Sport 2 CBS DAZN Stan Sport
Streaming BT Sport Paramount+ DAZN Stan Sport

UK: In the UK the game will be shown on BT Sport

USA: Viewers in the USA can watch the game live on CBS with streaming available on Paramount +

Canada: In Canada the game will be available to watch on DAZN

Australia: Stan Sport will be showing the game in Australia

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