Liverpool were left stunned on the night as Villarreal scored late in the game to snatch a vital win at El Madrigal in the first leg of the semi-final clash in the Europa League. The game was played with both teams looking to follow a safety first approach.
There were chances for both teams in both halves but neither managed to score before a swift counter-attack in added time saw substitute Adrian seal the vital lead for Villarreal who head to Anfield for the second leg.
Also read: Twitter reacts to Liverpool's dramatic defeat at Villarreal
Here’s a look at the player ratings for the game.
Villarreal:
Sergio Asenjo – 7/10
Sergio Asenjo was hardly troubled on the night and only had to make a few regulation saves. He was only nearly beaten once, the post coming to his rescue on that occasion.
Jaume Costa – 7/10
Jaume Costa played a solid game with tenacity and grit. He was hardly beaten but he received a yellow card in the game.
Eric Bailly – 7/10
Eric Bailly stood strong and silenced the Liverpool attack effectively in tandem with partner Victor Ruiz.
Victor Ruiz – 8/10
Victor Ruiz was stellar on the night and let almost nothing past him. His rearguard action was pivotal to Villarreal sealing the clean sheet.
Mario Gaspar – 7/10
Mario Gaspar was good going forward and solid at the back as well. He had a chance to give Villarreal the lead early in the game.
Soriano Bruno- 7/10
Soriano Bruno kept things tight in midfield and was quick to release the ball setting his team out on counter-attacks often.
Tomas Pina – 7/10
Tomas Pina was disciplined in his role in the middle of the park and often gave his team the drive to move forward.
Denis Suarez – 8/10
Denis Suarez was a constant source of trouble for Liverpool as his swift movement and nifty play on the ball troubled the Liverpool defence. It was his searing run down that set up the goal.
Jonathan dos Santos – 6/10
A hardworking performance from Jonathan dos Santos on the night, he was replaced late in the second half.
Roberto Soldado – 6/10
Roberto Soldado had great movement to his credit but was unable to put his team forward on a couple of occasions with chances in both halves.
Cedric Bakambu – 7/10
Cedric Bakambu was a constant pain in the neck for the Liverpool backline. He hit the post and nearly scored but for an incredible save from Simon Mignolet.
Substitutes:
Adrian Lopez – 7/10
Adrian was good for the time he was on the pitch. He scored the winner after galloping into the box to receive the cut back from Denis Suarez
Samu Castillejo – 5/10
Castillejo worked hard after coming on and played a few nifty passes.
Mateo Musacchio – 5/10
Musacchio was decent for the time he was on the pitch. He hardly had much to do in the game.
Liverpool:
Simon Mignolet – 6/10
Simon Mignolet looked fairly in control of his defensive area in the first half and even produced a fine save early on. Inspite of a sensational save later in the second half, he was caught in no man’s land for the goal.
Alberto Moreno – 6/10
Alberto Moreno capped a good performance on the left side of defence with a fantastic run late in the game into the box one on one with the keeper only to miss. This was followed by him being out of position as Denis Suarez set up the winner.
Dejan Lovren – 6/10
Dejan Lovren was a little plucky without his usual partner alongside him but didn’t do anything badly. He could’ve done better for the goal though.
Kolo Toure – 6/10
Kolo Toure had an impressive first half as he dealt with most of Villarreal’s threat rather well and on most occasions without need for assistance. He was decent in the second half but switched off at the end which led to the goal.
Nathaniel Clyne – 5/10
Nathaniel Clyne was solid at the back but not very good going forward. He put in a few crosses which didn’t reach the mark.
Lucas Leiva – 6/10
Lucas was anonymous in the first half and played a better game in the second.
Joe Allen – 6/10
Joe Allen looked in great nick in the first half but hardly saw much of the ball to affect any impact. His influence waned as the game wore on.
Philippe Coutinho - 6/10
Phillipe Coutinho looked sharp in the first half but was substituted at half-time as he was unwell.
Adam Lallana – 5/10
Adam Lallana was anonymous for most of the game. He was wasteful in possession and hardly impacted the game.
James Milner – 6/10
James Milner kept his drive up and did put in a few good passes but his performance overall was in line with what his teammates achieved this evening.
Roberto Firmino – 5/10
Roberto Firmino looked completely lost up top. He had to keep dropping deep to involve himself in the game. He came closest to scoring for Liverpool but hit the post with a fierce shot that had Asenjo beaten. He was largely ineffective otherwise.
Substitutes:
Jordon Ibe – 5/10
Jordon Ibe replaced Phil Coutinho at half-time but hardly did anything of note in an entire half of football
Christian Benteke – N/A
