Liverpool end Villarreal's European dream

Bright start

Villarreal started brightly in a bristling atmopshere at Anfield forcing two chances early on. Mario’s half-volley from Roberto Soldado’s chest down was saved by Simon Mignolet after only three minutes, and soon after Jonathan Dos Santos had a great opening but he blazed his shot over the bar from the edge of the area.

Bruno Own-goal

Liverpool quickly settled and took control of the game. A goalmouth scramble after six minutes saw Roberto Firmino flash a cross-cum-shot across the face of goal and as Daniel Sturridge slid across in front of him, captain Bruno Soriano inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. The Reds grew into the game, winning the 50/50 tackles and Villarreal were on the back foot until the break.

Sturridge strikes

The second half started more evenly-balanced, as the Yellow Submarine seemed to settle themselves, but Liverpool did not let up. Alphonse Areola flew to save from Sturridge, but in the 63rd was helpless to stop the Liverpool striker grabbing the second. Sturridge was put through into the area and fired in off the post to leave Villarreal with a hill to climb.

Ruiz red

The night went from bad to worse for Marcelino’s men when Victor Ruiz picked up a second yellow card and was sent off to leave his side chasing the game with 10 men for the last 20 minutes.

Lallana seals exit

Liverpool sealed the victory and their place in the final in Basel when Firmino burst to the touchline and centred to Sturridge. He miscued his shot, but Adam Lallana flicked the ball in from close range to end the game as a contest. Villarreal agonisingly fell at the semi-final stage of the competition for the third time missing out on a first ever Euopa League final appearance once again.