Liverpool could use another one of those famous Anfield nights.
The Reds will host Villarreal on Thursday in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League semifinal series. Villarreal carries a 1-0 lead into the game, thanks to Adrian Lopez’s late goal on April 28 in the first leg. Liverpool hopes home fans’ backing will help it overturn the narrow deficit and earn a place in its first European final since 2007.
Villarreal is in fine form, having clinched fourth place in La Liga (Spain’s first division) and a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League. The “Yellow Submarine” is faring even better in the Europa League, having gone 12 games unbeaten and not conceded a goal in 280 minutes — just over three games.
Liverpool can join Valencia in 2003-04 and FC Porto in 2010-11 among teams that have topped Villarreal in the semifinals. The Reds will attempt to do so without suspended defender Mamadou Sakho and injured midfielders Jordan Henderson and Emre Can and striker Divock Origi.
The winner will face either Sevilla or Shakhtar Donetsk in the final May 18 in Basel, Switzerland.
Here’s how to watch Liverpool vs. Villarreal online.
When: Thursday, May 5, at 3:05 p.m. ET
Live Stream: FoxSoccer2Go
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@LFC
