UEFA Europa League: Villarreal 1-0 Liverpool - Player ratings

Villarreal were excellent on the night against Liverpool

Liverpool were left stunned on the night as Villarreal scored late in the game to snatch a vital win at El Madrigal in the first leg of the semi-final clash in the Europa League. The game was played with both teams looking to follow a safety first approach.

There were chances for both teams in both halves but neither managed to score before a swift counter-attack in added time saw substitute Adrian seal the vital lead for Villarreal who head to Anfield for the second leg.

Here’s a look at the player ratings for the game.

Villarreal:

Sergio Asenjo – 7/10

Sergio Asenjo was hardly troubled on the night and only had to make a few regulation saves. He was only nearly beaten once, the post coming to his rescue on that occasion.

Jaume Costa – 7/10

Jaume Costa played a solid game with tenacity and grit. He was hardly beaten but he received a yellow card in the game. 

Eric Bailly – 7/10

Eric Bailly stood strong and silenced the Liverpool attack effectively in tandem with partner Victor Ruiz.

Victor Ruiz – 8/10

Victor Ruiz was stellar on the night and let almost nothing past him. His rearguard action was pivotal to Villarreal sealing the clean sheet.

Mario Gaspar – 7/10

Mario Gaspar was good going forward and solid at the back as well. He had a chance to give Villarreal the lead early in the game.

Soriano Bruno- 7/10

Soriano Bruno kept things tight in midfield and was quick to release the ball setting his team out on counter-attacks often.

Tomas Pina – 7/10

Tomas Pina was disciplined in his role in the middle of the park and often gave his team the drive to move forward.

Denis Suarez – 8/10

Denis Suarez was a constant source of trouble for Liverpool as his swift movement and nifty play on the ball troubled the Liverpool defence. It was his searing run down that set up the goal.

Jonathan dos Santos – 6/10

A hardworking performance from Jonathan dos Santos on the night, he was replaced late in the second half.

Roberto Soldado – 6/10

Roberto Soldado had great movement to his credit but was unable to put his team forward on a couple of occasions with chances in both halves.

Cedric Bakambu – 7/10

Cedric Bakambu was a constant pain in the neck for the Liverpool backline. He hit the post and nearly scored but for an incredible save from Simon Mignolet.

Substitutes:

Adrian Lopez – 7/10

Adrian was good for the time he was on the pitch. He scored the winner after galloping into the box to receive the cut back from Denis Suarez

Samu Castillejo – 5/10

Castillejo worked hard after coming on and played a few nifty passes.

Mateo Musacchio – 5/10

Musacchio was decent for the time he was on the pitch. He hardly had much to do in the game.