Liverpool took a massive step towards the Champions League Final with a 2-0 victory over Villarreal at Anfield in the semi-final first leg.

The first real chance of the game came in the 12th minute when Sadio Mane put a header from Mo Salah’s cross just wide of the post.

The Reds dominated the first half and had more chances as Salah curled an effort over the bar.

Thiago had the best chance of the half, thundering the woodwork from a long range effort.

Liverpool started the second half like the first and got their reward in the 54th minute.

Jordan Henderson’s deflected shot looped over Rulli in the Villarreal goal to send Anfield wild.

The lead was doubled a minute later when Salah played through Mane, who slid the ball calmly under the keeper

The away side struggled to keep possession throughout the game and now face a big challenge in six days’ time during the return leg in Spain.

Post match reaction to come.