By Sulaimon Jamiu
A deflected Jordan Henderson effort and a Sadio Mane strike helped Liverpool to a dominant 2-0 victory over Villarreal in the Champions League semifinal first leg at Anfield on Wednesday.
The Spanish side were resolute in the first half but came unstuck in the second as Henderson’s deflected cross soared over goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli later ruled a Pervis Estupinan own goal, before Mane poked home shortly after.
Villarreal have enjoyed a remarkable run in the knockout stages of this year’s competition as they stunned giants Juventus and Bayern Munich in the previous two rounds, but Jurgen Klopp’s team were rarely troubled as they dispatched the Spanish side to take a large step toward the final.
The two sides will meet again in the return leg at the Estadio de la Ceramica on May 3.
Liverpool, who won the competition, in 2019, are attempting to reach their third Champions League final in five years.
