Probably even the most loyal and optimistic fan of Villarreal did not expect that we would talk about his team before the semifinals of the Champions League. But this is the case and the “Yellow Submarine” is preparing for another big bite – Liverpool – after the elimination of Juventus and Bayern.
At first glance, this is a completely unambiguous duel. Liverpool probably plays the best football under Jürgen Klopp and, together with Manchester City, is one of the strongest teams in the world at the moment. Eliminating the seventh La League team should be a walk in the rose garden.
But beware, it will definitely not be that simple. Although Villarreal is the biggest outsider of the entire semifinal, Juventus and Bayern have a lot to say about the underestimation of their tough opponent.
Villarreal does not catch the eye of a layman with handsome, attractive football. Rather, it excites experts who discuss the game “Los Groguets” in detail. Jürgen Klopp also confirmed this at a press conference. “I had a lot of respect for Emery and Villarreal before. But after analyzing them in detail, I just said to myself: Wow! They are unreal. “
Coach Unai Emery is a master of details. What he wants to play is elaborated to the last detail, to the last second, to the last millimeter. He is able to perfectly analyze the opponent and find his weaknesses and then tailor the plan to the team.
Maybe that’s why Villarreal is where he is. In the league, they often lose points unnecessarily with light opponents, where motivation or readiness may not be ideal. As soon as “El submarino amarillo” confronts tough opponents, he jumps to another level. Last year, they eliminated Arsenal in the semifinals in the European League, beating Manchester United in the final.
They almost scored in the Champions League, if Cristiano Ronaldo had not intervened in the 95th minute. In the league they drew with Real Madrid and Atlétic Madrid, in the eighth finals they eliminated Juventus after the results 1: 1 and 3: 0, they managed 1: 0 and 1: 1 with Bayern. They haven’t lost once in four matches with these teams!
Unai Emery’s trustees are strongest in that they can make something out of nothing. You can control the whole match, Villarreal doesn’t have to get in half. However, your concentration will allow, Parejo et al. they wait for one opportunity and strike.
After all, a similar scenario took place in the Allianz Arena. Bayern led 1-0 and was only expected to open their opponent in full. Villarreal defended himself fiercely, he did not score for the whole match. In the 88th minute, however, one counterattack came and it was painted. Liverpool is not allowed to take its foot off the gas for 180 minutes, because the Spaniards are punishing it harshly.
Source: UEFA
