JONATHAN SHALLARD REPORTING —- Liverpool commanded three-quarters of the possession in defeating Villarreal 2-0 at Anfield in their Champions League semi-final first leg.

However they will have been disappointed their pressure was not rewarded more goals. Villarreal will have been relieved to escape so lightly. The prospect of a second successive all-English final depends more on Manchester City than on the Reds.

Liverpool went into the game having just learned that they will have to play twice in the final week of the Premier League season.

Jurgen Klopp’s quadruple-chasing side must play away to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Southampton on May 17, three days after their FA Cup final against Chelsea. They then end term at home to Wolves on May 22. Title rivals and leaders Manchester City finish at home to Aston Villa.

Liverpool, showing three changes from the starting line-up against Everton at the weekend, were unable to match Manchester City’s high-speed start against Real Madrid on Tuesday. Their first serious sight of goal was in the 22^nd minute when Jordan Henderson hit an angled shot just behind the goalkeeper’s left-hand post.

Luiz Dias brought a first save from Geronimo Rulli then Sadio Mane saw a shot deflected wide. Mo Salah volleyed over the bar and Thiago hit the posts but Villarreal were happier than Liverpool at the interval.

Fabinho had a ‘goal’ disallowed for offside soon after the restart but they did not have long to wait to take the lead. Henderson cut in from the right and opened the scoring with the help of a deflection off the foot of Pervis Estupinan.

Two more minutes and Mane extended the lead. Villarreal allowed Salah to turn, run at them, and find his team-mate clear with only Rulli to beat.

It was the least Liverpool deserved.

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