Liverpool – Villarreal: Liverpool Require Patience Against Organized Villarreal (2-0)

The first half of the match saw Villarreal defending deep in their compact 4-4-2 system and frustrating Liverpool. However, Liverpool’s pressure paid off early in the second half with two quick goals, and the game was relatively easy from there as Villarreal did not have the tactical facilities to chase the game. 
Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. 

Liverpool came into the first leg of this tie at Anfield as heavy favourites after a few big weeks for Jürgen Klopp’s side, in which they played twice against Manchester City, secured their Champions League semi-final place, won in dominant fashion at home against both Manchester United and beat local rivals Everton.

Klopp's side lined up in their usual 4-3-3 shape to face Villarreal, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson playing either side of Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk. Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcântara were the midfield three, while Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané and Luis Díaz played up front.

Villarreal have impressed in the Champions League so far this season, eliminating Juventus . . .