Liverpool were drawn against Villarreal in the Europa League semi-finals – and Reds fans could not be happier.
For most, it was the “perfect” draw as they avoided two-time defending champions Sevilla as well as a testing trip to Ukraine to take on Shakhtar Donetsk.
Perhaps just as important was the fact the second leg is at home. After Thursday night’s rousing turnaround against Borussia Dortmund, in front of a pumped-up Anfield, Liverpool fans think that could be the difference and has got some already thinking of the May 18 final in Basle.
I think that's the best possible draw! Liverpool vs Villarreal with the second leg at Anfield #UEL
— James Cardona (@JHPCardona) April 15, 2016
Bring on Villarreal! Nice to play the game away first. Anfield will be buzzing for the 2nd leg. We are Liverpool.
— Raka Friestyan (@Rakafries) April 15, 2016
I'll take Villarreal and away first leg again feeling confident about that tie
— MattTM (@matthiam1995) April 15, 2016
Perfect draw , Villarreal , 2nd leg at home and seen as home team at final if we get there
— Anfield South (@SeanOBrien28) April 15, 2016
Villarreal will do nicely
— Adam (@AdamHarrison4) April 15, 2016
Happy with that draw, always prefer being at home in the second leg. #LFC #Villarreal #EuropaLeague
— Dan (@Deetmon) April 15, 2016
Villarreal, get in!! Best draw we could've hoped for in my eyes #LFC
— Simon Peacock (@THESimonPeacock) April 15, 2016
Don't underestimate Villarreal oh. But I still see liverpool in the final. https://t.co/sU5VYaj4VK
— Sheba. (@AYOSHEBA) April 15, 2016
That draw is as good as it gets Villarreal at home second leg. Up the Reds???
— Miles* (@miles_lfc8) April 15, 2016
Bring on Villarreal, would have taken anyone after last night, feel like we can beat anyone #LFC #UELDraw #UEL
— Alexander Wahts (@Wahtty294) April 15, 2016
Glad we got Villarreal, really didn't want shaktar?
— Daniel Wright (@dannywright011) April 15, 2016
Some Reds fans were even celebrating the fact that, if they reach the final, they will be the designated “home” team.
So we've got Villarreal away then back to Anfield!! Perfect draw.. Win that and we are the home team for final!! #LFC
— Cameron (@CameronMacphee2) April 15, 2016
Good draw for #Liverpool – second leg at Anfield against Villarreal and then 'home' in final if they get there. #UEL #UELdraw
— Paul Breen (author) (@CharltonMen) April 15, 2016
There were a few words of caution among the optimism.
Villarreal are second in La Liga and have lost just twice in 17 home games. They’ve also got a better home defensive record than Barcelona and Real Madrid, having let in just 10 league goals at El Madrigal.
Oof. Tough trip to El Madrigal for Liverpool. Villarreal record there is rather fine indeed #LFC
— Joe Krishnan (@joekrishnan) April 15, 2016
People seem to be forgetting that Villarreal knocked out Napoli, they're no push over's
— Walker (@DeePeeWalker) April 15, 2016
Villarreal is a tough match not sure why #scousers are so happy!!!
— Show Us Your Punt (@Showusyourpunt) April 15, 2016
Home second leg so that's a good draw. Guess we are favorites for that tie but Villarreal are still a very very good team. #LFC
— Peter Holden (@Peterholden99) April 15, 2016
