By 
An own goal and a Sadio Mane strike procured Liverpool a 2-0 triumph in their Champions League semi-final first-leg against Villarreal.
After the dramatization of Tuesday’s other semi-final, which saw Manchester City beat Real Madrid 4-3 at the Etihad, it was never going to be simple for this game to contend in the diversion stakes.
Although, Liverpool helped to the point of building themselves out lead for Tuesday’s return game in Spain where they will be certain of getting done with off the task.
Villarreal defended in numbers in the first half to baffle the six-times European Cup victors, with Thiago Alcantara going nearest to breaking the gridlock with a booming strike from distance that hit the post.
Ready to put themselves out there with the stop broken, Mohamed Salah strung an eminent pass through for Mane to put the game past the guests.
Andy Robertson had a fine exertion precluded for offside after interfacing with a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold, while Virgil van Dijk took a shot at a long-range thunderclap which almost thumped Villarreal attendant Geronimo Rulli off his feet.
“They are a very organised team and we knew they would make it difficult. It was just important that we kept going and believed that we would eventually break them down,” said Henderson.
“We did that with two good goals. Majority of the game, our counter-press was really good. It made it difficult for them. But the game is still alive and it will be tough in Villarreal,” he added
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