The Champions League returns with the first leg of the second semi-final, as Villarreal CF look to extend their fairytale run against Liverpool on Wednesday. Unai Emery’s little-imagined Spanish team will travel to Anfield for the first leg and will be looking to repeat strong performances on the road against Bayern Munich and Juventus, who have earned them a deserved place in the final four.
However, The Yellow Submarine are considered underdogs for a reason, and that is because they are up against Premier League powerhouse Jurgen Klopp and our panel expects him to go the way of the Reds. Our pundits are divided on how convincing a Liverpool win will be, but unanimously believe it will be a maiden victory for the hosts.
do you agree with them? Compare your picks with theirs here.
Wednesday broadcast schedule
Liverpool vs. Benfica
Date: Wednesday April 27 | Weather: 3 p.m. ET | Live broadcast: CBS and Paramount+
Location: Anfield-Liverpool, UK
Study coverage: Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards
Commentators: Clive Tyldesley and Rob Green
On-site reporters: Peter Schmeichel, Jules Breach and Guillem Balagué
Possibilities: Liverpool-360; Draw +460; Villarreal +1000 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
featured game | Liverpool vs Villarreal
A showdown to watch: Mo Salah against Raul Albiol. Defense has been key for Villarreal so far and Raúl Albiol
he was the man of the match against Bayern Munich despite Robert Lewandowski’s goal. How the Spanish veteran runs the backline to keep the likes of Mo Salah quiet will go a long way in deciding whether or not he stays alive on two legs.
Most chances to score: Sadio Mané. An equal threat in front of goal is Sadio Mane and the Senegal international is in top form with five goals in his last six appearances. The 30-year-old is one of the big favorites to feature here again given his penchant for scoring goals in the biggest games, as we have seen recently against Manchester City, Manchester United and Benfica.
Selection of the Man of the Match: Thiago Alcantara. It has taken a while, but finally we are seeing Thiago Alcantara
we all know and love Liverpool of late and he fancies himself to dictate the pace against opposition he knows well. The Spanish international is one to watch closely as this first leg unfolds.
Match prediction: Liverpool 1, Villarreal 0. The hosts will draw first blood, but this one will stay alive as he returns to Spain and gives Villarreal a chance in both games.