Liverpool on the verge of landmark 10th European Cup final courtesy of their dominant semi-final first-leg win over Villarreal on Wednesday night.
In truth, Liverpool could have scored more than the two they did – both of which came in quick succession early in the second half. Villarreal, meanwhile, hardly got a sniff of the ball in the attacking third of the pitch and Alisson was almost a complete spectator.
Jürgen Klopp said Liverpool must remain “completely alert” to the threat posed by Villarreal despite dominating Unai Emery’s team throughout the Champions League semi-final first leg at Anfield.
Liverpool dominate Villarreal but didn’t finish the tie off
Record-breaking Liverpool on the verge of landmark 10th European Cup final
It isn’t quite ‘job done’ – Villarreal has embarrassed Juventus and Bayern Munich sides who underestimated them in previous rounds – but Liverpool were so in control in the first leg, any repeat performance in the return leg next week will comfortably see them through.
Liverpool are already the premier English club when it comes to the European Cup final, having been crowned continental champions on six occasions since their first title in 1977. In total they have reached nine finals – four in the Champions League era alone to date.
This season now promises to be a 10th. Only Real Madrid (16), AC Milan and Bayern Munich (both 11) have been in more. No other clubs have reached double figures. Currently, only Juventus can match Liverpool’s nine so far, but the Italian giants have lost seven of those.
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Calm as you like 👌 pic.twitter.com/AGN2yCeu8r
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 27, 2022