Alberto Moreno has sent a heartfelt message to Liverpool fans on Instagram after the Reds beat his Villarreal side at Anfield on Wednesday. The win sees Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp place one foot in the Champions League final.
An own goal from Pervis Estupinan, off of a Jordan Henderson cross, and Sadio Mane’s 20th goal of the season saw the Reds finally break through a stingy Villarreal defence. Unai Emery had set his side up to frustrate.
But it was not enough, as Liverpool’s press and intensity proved too much for the La Liga side. The Reds won comfortably and given Villarreal’s defensive nature, it is unlikely that they will play in an attacking way.
Moreno, 29, who was not available through a long-term knee injury on Wednesday night but was in attendance, gave his verdict on Liverpool fans and Anfield – having spent five years at the club, playing 141 times.
Moreno on Liverpool: How can Villarreal win return leg?
Villarreal lost the game by not only playing too defensively, but they were outcrowded in midfield. Emery has perfected the 4-4-2 system and Europe – but they were no match for the Jurgen Klopp juggernaut.
The feeling at Liverpool is incredible at the moment – strengthened further by a new deal for Klopp, until the summer of 2026. Villarreal need to go more direct, play in behind Liverpool and beat the press.
They also need to control the Liverpool midfield better – but that is easier said than done when Thiago is in the form he is in. If Villarreal can get the ball to the likes of Arnaut Danjuma, then they have a chance.
But at Anfield, the Netherlands international was an utter bystander. They need to do a lot more in supplying the Villarreal star if they are to stand a chance of knocking out the Premier League club.
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