In Villarreal they are not too impressed with the form of Liverpool in the European league, given that the Reds have not not lost any of the 12 encounters played. However, the form of the home side is declining.
UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE
April 28, 2016 • 20:05 • Camp El Madrigal, Villarreal
Referee: D. Skomina
Spanish side, Villarreal and English side, Liverpool in 12 games of Europa league competition, both in the group and knockout stages, 24 of them in total, together have lost only one game, so they place in the semi-finals clearly is well deserved. Villarreal lost that one game, in Austria against Rapid Vienna, while the Reds yet have to taste their first defeat.
Absolutely deserved both teams have a chance to reach the final, especially because in two previous rounds both have had a very difficult draw. Spanish side dumped out Napoli and Bayer Leverkusen, while the Reds did the same to Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.
For tonight’s encounter Marcelino reported 18 players, a big plus is the return of the stopper when Mateo Musacchi and sideback Jaume Costa. Outside the team remains only the striker Leo Baptistao, but the Brazilian at this time would not even be in the starting lineup.
What made Liverpool in the second leg quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund, going from 1:3 behind to get to 4: 3, and score a goal to deep into injury time to book the semi-finals, can do only a team of true worth and which has enormous faith in their abilities. That was a work of German boss Jurgen Klopp and now the Reds want to win this competition to secure the Champions league next season, given that they can’t do that trough Premier league competition.
As for Liverpool, from before out of action are midfielder Henderson and Can, who can play at the back as well, and given Sahko’s suspension it could happen that Lucas Leiva plays at the back with Lovren. Benteke could be available for this game, after being sidelined due to injury, but Sturridge and Coutinho for now are definetly in the first eleven.
Given that English teams and rarely any others can pick some good results in Spain, and given the good form of both teams in Europa league, good defences, likely teams will start with some dose of caution why we target here that the first half will end with a draw.
Marcelino Garcia Toral, coach of Villarreal CF
“It is possible that they are tipped as favourites. Because of their history and the club they are and the chances they have. Also because they have eliminated Dortmund, one of the favourites to win alongside with Sevilla. So they may be tipped as favourites. But we don’t think we are less than them. And we will do all we can to try to eliminate a team that is considered legendary.”
“They put lots of pressure on their rivals. And they also do that when visiting other stadiums. So they aren’t going to put things easy for us. Facing that high pressure from the rival we must find solutions so we can surpass that first line of pressure. I think that if we can achieve that we will make a big step forward. I believe it will be a nice game.”
Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool FC Head Coach:
“It’s not talking about the final or Basel or something else. This is really the highest level of football, what Villarreal shows each week. Being fourth in the Spanish league (they are) unbelievably strong, playing with such a good balance, very good structure in the game, very disciplined, good defending and good counter attacks. If you let them, they play football. That is everything that you need to be a good team.”