Villarreal defender Pau Torres has sent a warning to Liverpool ahead of next week’s return leg in the Champions League semi-finals.
The rivals faced off at Anfield in the first leg of their semi-final on Wednesday night.
Villarreal only had one shot and they did not register any attempts on target as they were dominated by Liverpool.
Liverpool sidestep another obstacle that could hand them boost for title as well as Europe
An own-goal from Pervis Estupinan and a finish from Sadio Mane proved decisive as Liverpool won 2-0.
The Reds could have easily won more convincingly. Thiago struck the post from range and they finished the game with 19 shots.
Villarreal have already picked up positive results at home against Juventus and Bayern Munich in the Champions League this season.
The home fans applauding the away end. Villarreal’s support brilliant tonight. Anfield was absolutely bouncing. #LFC pic.twitter.com/BynHYArKcN
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) April 27, 2022
Torres has warned Liverpool that they “play differently” when they are at home:
“Any error can penalise you. We knew where we were coming from. They were a bit better than us,” Torres acknowledged (quotes via Liverpool Echo).
“We had planned for the eventuality that they went ahead, but we didn’t withstand as we had hoped.
“The plan was similar to Munich. We had complete confidence, but we go leave with a two goal disadvantage, 90 very long minutes. One goal at home puts you back in it again. There’s plenty to go.
“In the first half we knew how to defend them well. We started with a direct game so that they didn’t feel comfortable. We had a break or two… it was our game plan. I think we started well but we are facing a great opponent that can get the better of you.
“In the end, we didn’t want to concede. We wanted to go home with a good result. I think we are alive.
“We are strong at La Ceramica, we demonstrated that against Bayern. We play differently at home.”
Rio Ferdinand claimed after the first leg that “this is the best Liverpool team” he has seen:
“They’re relentless with and without the ball. It’s the way they press teams, the energy, effort, application, you marvel at it,” Ferdinand said.
“That [the quadruple] has got to be the aim. They are going to set themselves the target.
“If they achieve it they’re immortal, they are above anyone that has played the game in this country. Whether they can achieve it remains to be seen. But they’re ticking boxes along the way at the moment.”