In a focus battle in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final that ended in the early morning of April 28, Beijing time, Liverpool defeated the big black horse Villarreal 2-0 at home, taking advantage of the opportunity to advance to the final.
Although in the first half, Villarreal's "iron barrel formation" once left the Reds helpless. However, after a midfield adjustment, the Reds began the second half with a powerful shockwave, scoring 2 goals in 3 minutes and successfully taking away the victory at home. According to post-match data, Liverpool had as many as 20 shots on goal, while their opponents had only 1 shot on goal.
Even Manchester United legend Ferdinand couldn't help but praise Liverpool: "It definitely suffocated Villarreal. This is the best Liverpool I've ever seen, they're very 'ruthless'. The way they oppress their opponents, their physical abilities, the use of tactics... You sit on this feeling, breathtaking. In the last 24 games in all competitions, Liverpool have won 20 games, with a specific record of 20 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss, which is quite eye-catching.
After winning this game, Liverpool, who are in hot form this season, continue to brush a number of records.
First, Liverpool have won nine in the Champions League this season, the most wins in the Champions League in a single season in their history (including play-offs).
Secondly, the Reds remain unbeaten in the home Champions League semi-finals, with a specific record of 12 wins, 10 wins and 2 draws.
Third, liverpool have scored 135 goals so far this season, just three goals away from the club's record of 138 goals.
Fourth, Liverpool have won 43 of their 55 games in all competitions this season (including a penalty shootout), tie the all-time best. In the 2019-29 season, Liverpool also won 43 games, resulting in the Reds winning the Premier League title that season.
Fifth, Liverpool striker Mane has reached 20 this season with goals scored in this game. So far, Liverpool have scored 20+ goals from three players this season. Salah scored 30 goals, Jota scored 21 and Mane scored 20. According to statistics, this is the third time in Liverpool's history that three players have scored 20+ goals in a single season.
With a 2-0 score in hand and a recent hot form, although the second leg was an away game, it is no exaggeration to say that Liverpool have reached the Champions League final with one foot. According to big data, liverpool have a 96% chance of reaching the final. It can be said that the 10th Champions League final in the history of the red army is really close at hand.