The Reds secured their place after one of the great European comebacks and will now meet Villarreal over two legs
This is the moment Liverpool were drawn out of the hat/bowl/UEFA receptacle.
While obviously an easier draw than Dortmund last time out Villarreal are no mugs whatsoever and shouldn’t be underestimated by any stretch.
A reminder that the first leg in Spain will be played on Thursday April 28, with the return at Anfield – which promises to be another pulsating European night – a week later on May 5
Liverpool set for Villarreal adventure
Liverpool will enter new European territory when they take on Spanish side Villarreal in the Europa League semi final.
The Reds were last out of the hat in the draw in Zurich, and were pitted against the team currently fourth in La Liga for the first time in their competitive history.
In fact, despite their long and distinguished European pedigree, Liverpool have not met ANY of the sides remaining in the competition before, and so if they reach the final will face virgin opponents again.
The only time they have ever faced Villarreal was back in 2008 in a pre-season friendly at the El Madrigal Stadium, when they played the Spanish side as part of a deal that saw the English club sign goalkeeper Pepe Reina.
That night was a huge disappointment with the game meandering to an unexciting 0-0 conclusion, with the only respite being offered by Jay Spearing of all players, who produced an amazing volley that flew just wide in the dying seconds.
This time around though, the Reds would take a boring draw in the first leg, which will be played away from home at the Estadio El Madrigal, which has a limited capacity of only 25,000.
The first leg in Spain will be played on Thursday April 28, with the return at Anfield – which promises to be another pulsating European night – a week later on May 5.
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