Liverpool came back from one goal down in the second leg of their semi-final clash with Villarreal in the Europa League at Anfield to progress to the finals. The game ended 3-0 in favor of the Reds and Liverpool progressed with the score line 3-1 on aggregate.
An own goal from Bruno Soriano set the ball rolling in the first half, followed by goals from Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana in the second which sealed the game.
Here’s a look at the player ratings for the game.
Liverpool:
Simon Mignolet – 6/10
Simon Mignolet looked fairly in control of his defensive area on the night and honestly had little to do all game after an initial save.
Alberto Moreno – 6/10
Alberto Moreno had a reasonable game but nearly gave away a penalty after pushing a Villarreal player in the box. The referee didn’t notice though.
Dejan Lovren – 8/10
Dejan Lovren was majestic on the night as he made a couple of last-ditch tackles that saved Liverpool a lot of trouble. He was solid all through the game and his imperious defensive effort set the tone of the game.
Kolo Toure – 7/10
Kolo Toure was impressive as he put his body on the line and used his experience to keep the Villarreal forwards in check.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7/10
Nathaniel Clyne was good at the back and made a few marauding runs forward. He seemed to be in complete control of his side of the pitch.
Emre Can - 8/10
Emre Can was fantastic in midfield. His driving runs from deep and switching play around made it easier for the Reds going forward. He was heavily involved in the first goal where his driving run started the move off.
Philippe Coutinho - 7/10
Phillipe Coutinho looked sharp for much of the game and caused the Villarreal backline a few headaches.
Adam Lallana – 7/10
Adam Lallana did miss an early chance as he miskicked the ball. He would’ve put Daniel Sturridge through on goal but for a poor pass. Eventually, when the chance came, he took it well and secured the match for the Reds by scoring the third.
James Milner – 7/10
James Milner’s drive and energy was the tone setter for the Reds’ forward line. He delivered in some really good set pieces and defended well too.
Roberto Firmino - 9/10
Roberto Firmino played a part in all three goals. He kept troubling Villarreal all evening and even produced moments of magic to leave Roberto Soldado and Mateo Musacchio completely befuddled with the whole world watching.
Daniel Sturridge – 8/10
He was everywhere. Daniel Sturridge may have scored one but his movement terrorized Villarreal all evening and he played a major role in all three goals even after miskicking the ball twice.
Substitutes
Lucas Leiva – N/A
Lucas came on for Daniel Sturridge in the 90th minute of the game.
Christian Benteke– N/A
Benteke came on for Firmino in the 89th minute of the game.
Joe Allen - N/A
Allen came on for Coutinho in the 82nd minute of the game.
Villarreal:
Alphonse Areola – 6/10
Areola made a string of fine saves which didn’t amount to much later on. He was able to do little about the goals.
Jaume Costa– 5/10
Jaume Costa was solid for most of the game but could hardly contain the Red onslaught as Clyne and Lallana ran riot on his side.
Mateo Musacchio – 5/10
Mateo Musacchio started the game brightly after the initial goal went in. However, he couldn’t repel the onslaught for long in the second half.
Victor Ruiz– 4/10
Victor Ruiz was evidently unnerved by the occasion and the force of Anfield. He seemed nervy all evening and made a few unnecessary tackles. Eventually got sent off for a second bookable offense.
Mario Gaspar – 6/10
Mario Gaspar was good for large parts of the game but eventually faded away in the second half. He had an early chance to open the scoring but was thwarted by Mignolet.
Soriano Bruno- 5/10
Soriano Bruno was unfortunate to concede the opening goal from his own boot. He eventually tried to set things straight with some good offensive play but faded away in the second half as he got completely dominated.
Tomas Pina – 5/10
Tomas Pina was continually run over in midfield by the Reds’ offense.
Denis Suarez – 6/10
Denis Suarez was a constant source of trouble for Liverpool again on this night but after a point his frustration at not being able to do anything conclusive showed.
Jonathan Dos Santos – 5/10
Jonathan Dos Santos on the night seemed to be largely anonymous. He was kept in check rather easily by Clyne.
Roberto Soldado – 4/10
Roberto Soldado was another player who let the occasion get to him as his efforts seemed to be overshadowed by his lack of temperament.
Cedric Bakambu – 5/10
Cedric Bakambu was left to feed off scraps but when he was offered anything, he used his pace and power to make something more off it. He hardly had any service of value though.
Substitutes
Adrian Lopez – 5/10
Adrian hardly managed to threaten once on. His efforts weren’t helped by the Red Card to his side.
Manu Trigueros – 5/10
Trigueros managed some neat passes but hardly had any impact.
Daniele Bonera – 5/10
Bonera came on after Victor Ruiz was sent off. He hardly seemed to be any better off than Ruiz.
