Europa League semi-final second leg: Liverpool and Anfield fulcrum

In 2005, Jose Mourinho had to surrender to the "power of Anfield". Half a month ago, it was Dortmund's turn to taste the feeling of helplessness when visiting this stadium. And today, Anfield is ready to light a fire to burn the Yellow Submarine.

Sorry, this is Anfield!

Speaking to the British press after the 0-1 loss to Villarreal in Spain, coach Juergen Klopp said very interestingly: "The first thing that came to my mind after Villarreal scored was not sadness. I saw them celebrating and thought: 'Boys, it's a shame you have to go to Anfield'."

Klopp's confidence is palpable. In his mind, Villarreal will not only face a Liverpool full of fighting spirit today, but also have to play in a dangerous place where Bordeaux, Augsburg, Man United and Dortmund have all returned empty-handed from this season's Europa League.

The Kop fans will never forget the second leg of the quarter-final against Dortmund at Anfield half a month ago. That day, Liverpool lost by 2 goals after only 9 minutes of play, but still created a comeback that will surely be mentioned many times in the history of the Europa League (winning 4-3).

It was a match that naturally made The Kop's opponents feel that the Reds were immortal on Merseyside and it also partly explains why Klopp thinks that the 1 goal Villarreal scored at El Madrigal is nothing when they still have the challenge of Anfield ahead.

A few more statistics will help Liverpool fans feel more confident and also give Villarreal a clearer understanding of the concept of “Anfield power” (something coach Jose Mourinho had to exclaim after his Chelsea team was defeated by Liverpool by Luis Garcia’s “ghost goal” in 2005): Liverpool have played a total of 9 second leg matches of the European Cup semi-finals at Anfield and their record is 8 wins, 1 draw (draw with Barcelona in the UEFA Cup 1976). In a total of 5 times losing in the first leg, Liverpool relied on the power of Anfield to come back in the second leg 3 times, against Celtic in 1966, M’gladbach in 1978 and Chelsea in 2007.

Penetrate submarines

However, the more fearsome Anfield is, the more Villarreal will be allowed to play their preferred style of play. In La Liga this season, the Yellow Submarine is the 4th club to concede the fewest goals in the league, behind only Barca, Real and Atletico. And importantly: a draw is enough for Villarreal to reach the final, and it is annoying for Liverpool that the Yellow Submarine is very good at holding opponents to draws. Villarreal is the club that has drawn the most out of the 7 teams leading La Liga (10 draws). In 6 of those 10 draws, they did not allow their opponents to score a goal.

It certainly won't be easy for Liverpool to play as brilliantly as they did against Dortmund because Villarreal won't be open. However, this is the time when we have the right to believe that The Kop has enough attacking options to at least once penetrate the steel shield of the Yellow Submarine.

Goals can come from anyone. From Daniel Sturridge's deft, delicate movement in the box, from Philippe Coutinho's trademark long-range shots, from James Milner's tenacity or even from Alberto Moreno's excellent crosses. Liverpool will press, will not give Villarreal any chance to settle a solid game.

Just look at Atletico Madrid in the first half against Bayern. The Bavarians' relentless attack has caused even the best defence in the Champions League this season to be in disarray at times. Villarreal will find it difficult to avoid this scenario if Klopp has enough space and time to develop his style of play.

Of the four clubs that have reached the Europa League semi-finals this season, Villarreal is the only team that has never won the title, while Liverpool have won the UEFA Cup/Europa League three times in 1973, 1976 and 2001. This will more or less be a psychological barrier for the Spanish representative.

SURROUNDING INFORMATION

- Liverpool: Ings, Henderson, Origi are absent due to injury.

- Villarreal: Baptistao and Bailly are absent due to injury.

- According to Asia, Liverpool won 5/8 recent matches, while Villarreal only lost 3/11 recent matches.

- At home, Liverpool won 5/7 recent matches according to Asia.

- Away from home, Villarreal won 8/11 recent matches according to Asia.

- Both historical matches between Liverpool and Villarreal had no goals in the first half.

- 5/7 of Liverpool's recent home matches in European Cup ended with an odd number of goals.

SPECIAL

Maximum 2 tables

4/5 of Liverpool's recent home games in European Cup have ended with a maximum of 2 goals. Today Villarreal is likely to play defensively and the low-scoring trend is likely to continue.

End of match vibrating net

In the Premier League this season, Liverpool have scored 5 goals in the last 5 minutes of matches, the 4th most in the league. Villarreal have even scored 7 goals in the last 5 minutes of matches, the 3rd most in La Liga this season.

PREDICTION: 1-0 (Liverpool win in extra time).

According to bongdaplus