Last night, Villarreal recorded a phenomenal 3-0 win over Juventus to progress into the Champions League Quarter-Final, where Liverpool could await.
If Unai Emery’s side do bump into the Reds in the next round, there is sure to be a mutual respect between both sets of supporters after what happened in Turin.
What’s the story?
Well, after the full-time whistle, the Villarreal players celebrated with their fans, and took a flag from the away end to parade on the pitch.
Interestingly, it was a flag commemorating the 96 people who died in the Hillsborough disaster – that well-known number has since become 97, after Andrew Devine’s injuries from the tragedy saw him pass away in July, aged 55.
You can see a photo of the Villarreal players holding the flag below.
Naturally, you may be wondering why the Spanish side have a flag remembering the victims of the Hillsborough disaster.
Liverpool and Villarreal unite
Liverpool and Villarreal actually have a great relationship.
Before the 2016 Europa League Semi-Final, the Spaniards displayed a huge banner in remembrance of the Hillsborough disaster, before donating it to the Reds (AS).
Furthermore, they have another connection with Liverpool through the Beatles.
Their iconic song ‘Yellow Submarine’ found its way to the small industrial town an hour’s drive north-east of Valencia, where fans starting singing it to their players who were clad in yellow strips.
Ironically, the Spanish side haven’t always worn yellow.
According to UEFA, it was only because a shop didn’t have enough white shirts in 1947, so the Villarreal President’s son was forced to accept yellow strips.
If the two clubs meet again in the Champions League Quarter-Final, it is sure to be a special occasion in Europe.
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