Jurgen Klopp's side looked to have claimed a draw at El Madrigal, only for the hosts to land a late sucker punch
Liverpool must come from behind again if they are to achieve European glory this term.
Jurgen Klopp's men lost 1-0 to Spanish side Villarreal – fifth in La Liga – on Thursday night, conceding an injury-time goal in the first leg of their Europa Leaguesemi-final.
The Reds looked to have done enough to return home with a draw, only for Adrian Lopez to pop up with a sucker punch, much to the delight of the home fans.
Alberto Moreno went close at the other end moments before the winner, but Liverpool could not find an away goal.
Here are five things we learned:
Here are five things we learned:
1. Klopp's plan almost paid off
The Liverpool boss went for a more circumspect formation in Spain, leaving Daniel Sturridge out of his starting line-up and using Roberto Firmino as a false nine.
It showed that, for all the talk of heavy-metal football and the excitement of that thriller against Borussia Dortmund, Klopp is not afraid to keep things tight when circumstances require.
The ploy appeared to be working well here, leaving the Reds well placed to bring home the bacon back at Anfield... but then Adrian struck after good work by Denis Suarez.
So near, yet so far.
2. Lucas steps up to the plate
No Emre Can. No Jordan Henderson. But no problem for Liverpool with Lucas Leiva around.
The Brazilian has only played a bit part for much of the season but he showed no sign of rustiness at the Madrigal, slotting into the midfield and protecting the backline brilliantly.
He stopped the supply to the dangerous Cedric Bakambu, leaving Villarreal looking toothless at times. A fine display from a top professional.
3. Bruno is an unheralded gem
While they appreciate his talents as a considered deep-lying playmaker, most Liverpool fans would have been forgiven for not having heard of Bruno Soriano.
Indeed, even in 10 years of sterling service to Villarreal he has only won six international caps with Spain. While much of that is down to the incredible strength in depth that the national team have in central midfield, Bruno is the sort of player that most countries would dream of.
A brilliant reader of the game, his tackles are firm but fair and his passing range and vision are outstanding. He is virtually a lone veteran in one of the youngest squads in La Liga, and his steadying influence is key for the Yellow Submarine.
Bruno protected his back four brilliantly against Liverpool but he also laid on his side’s best chances. He was the best player on the park and you wouldn’t bet against him having a decisive impact on the return leg.
4. Adrian the impact man
He may have started on the bench, but the former Atletico Madrid man came up trumps.
Thrown on in place of former Spurs man Roberto Soldado – who went close in the first half but faded – Adrian was in the right place to profit from a superb move.
Bruno picked out Denis Suarez, who unselfishly squared for a lovely, lovely winner that leaves Liverpool with work to do.
5. Suarez loves a nutmeg
Like his more famous namesake, Luis, Villarreal wideman Denis Suarez loves a nutmeg.
In the first half, he popped the ball through the legs of Joe Allen in glorious fashion, drawing a cheer from the crowd.
And he later repeated the trick on James Milner for good measure.
Bravo, amigo. Bravo.
Villarreal 1-0 Liverpool player ratings - who was YOUR man of the match?
Liverpool suffered last-minute heartache in Villarreal. But who stood out in Spain? David Maddock rates the players' performances
Adrian scored with almost the last kick of the game to give Liverpool a mountain to climb in their bid to reach this year's Europa League final.
Jurgen Klopp's men were in full control of the game. But were left to curse Adrian's dramatic stoppage time winner.
It's advantage to the La Liga side ahead of next Thursday's decisive second-leg. But did Liverpool show enough to be optimistic of reaching next month's showpiece in Basel?
DAVID MADDOCK was at the game to rate the players' performances. Here's his verdict...
Liverpool
Mignolet 7
Made important stop in first half and always seemed secure. Top-drawer save at the death too.
Made important stop in first half and always seemed secure. Top-drawer save at the death too.
Clyne 7
Looked impressive and in control, good strength on right.
Looked impressive and in control, good strength on right.
Lovren 8
Handled the searing pace of Bakambu with confidence.
Handled the searing pace of Bakambu with confidence.
Toure 7
Veteran status doesn't seem to bother him on these nights.
Veteran status doesn't seem to bother him on these nights.
Moreno 6
Usual mix of brilliance and bad positioning, but improving. Unlucky with a late chance.
Usual mix of brilliance and bad positioning, but improving. Unlucky with a late chance.
Allen 8
MoM. Engine was incredible, and crucially kept possession well.
MoM. Engine was incredible, and crucially kept possession well.
Lucas 7.
Played pivotal role in middle of park where kept it simple.
Played pivotal role in middle of park where kept it simple.
Milner 7
Did the unfussy captain's job of keeping things together.
Did the unfussy captain's job of keeping things together.
Lallana 6
Some good touches and hard work but on edge of game.
Some good touches and hard work but on edge of game.
Firmino 7
Classy on ball and led the pressing line with enthusiasm.
Classy on ball and led the pressing line with enthusiasm.
Coutinho 6
Looked out of sorts and went off at half time feeling unwell.
Looked out of sorts and went off at half time feeling unwell.
Subs: Ibe 6 (Coutinho 46)
Benteke (Firmino 90)
Benteke (Firmino 90)
Villarreal
Asenjo 6
Gaspar 6
Bailly 7
Victor Ruiz 6
Jaume Costa 7
Dos Santos 6
Gaspar 6
Bailly 7
Victor Ruiz 6
Jaume Costa 7
Dos Santos 6
Pina 7
Bruno 6
Suarez 6
Soldado 6
Bakumbu 7
Bruno 6
Suarez 6
Soldado 6
Bakumbu 7
Subs:
Castillejo (Dos Santos 72)
Lopez (Soldado 73)
Castillejo (Dos Santos 72)
Lopez (Soldado 73)
Referee: Damir Skomina (SVN)
Attendance: 21,000
Attendance: 21,000
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