Champions League first leg semi-final clash between Liverpool and Villarreal ended in favour of Jurgen Klopp’s men, who sealed a 2-0 win at Anfield on Wednesday night.

The Reds dominated possession in the first half, but were unable to break through, and the game ended goalless at halftime.

Thiago came pretty close to scoring for the hosts, but his 20-yard shot slammed down the frame.

Villarreal’s tenacity was on display once more as Sadio Mane’s attempt was diverted inches wide of the left post.

In the final third, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Luis Diaz were all busy, and they were all shooting on all sides.

Fabinho later fired the Reds ahead five minutes into the second half, but Liverpool’s joy was short-lived as Van Dijk was spotted offside in the build-up and the goal was disallowed.

Three minutes later, Henderson’s cross bounced off Estupinan and eluded Rulli at his near post, giving the Reds the lead.

Salah has released Henderson into space and he is looking to produce a cross into the middle.

Rulli gets a hand to it but can’t keep it out as Estupinan puts out a boot and accidently deflects it into the net.

Mane then extended the lead after collecting Salah’s throughball and beating Rulli with a low shot in the 55th minute.

Celebrating his 14th goal in the #UCL knockout stages ?

Sadio Mane. What a player ? pic.twitter.com/4WtdeJ3wXE

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 27, 2022

Salah maneuvers his way into the Villarreal box before slipping a throughball to his teammate on the run.

Mane beats Rulli to the spot and makes no mistake with his strike, his 14th Champions League goal, which landed at the bottom-right corner.

A big first-leg performance from the Reds ?#UCL | #LIVVIL pic.twitter.com/jLEMjlQxDr

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 27, 2022

Jurgen Klopp’s side will travel to El Madrigal with a two-goal margin, putting them in a solid position to reach the contest’s final.

Next week, the Yellow Submarine has a lot on their plate.

Liverpool’s next Premier League match is on Saturday, when they travel to Newcastle United.

Villarreal is in LaLiga action against Alaves on the same day.

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