Villarreal vs. Liverpool Betting: Repeat result will see Reds through to CL final

Following a 2-0 win by Liverpool in last week’s first leg Villarreal and Liverpool meet in the return leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.

The Reds are in the driving seat after a dominant display at Anfield last week, but it would be foolish to believe the job was done. Anything less than 100% commitment from the English Premier League side could see them lose from a commanding position. They have one foot in the final, but Villarreal aren’t done yet.

Defeating a major EPL side is nothing new to Villarreal, and fans will come out in force to support the home team as they aim to record a historic win and book a place in the final later this month. Villarreal know only a home win will do here.

Villarreal v Liverpool Champions League Betting Odds and Matchup Information

Matchup Information

• Liverpool won the first leg at Anfield last week, beating Villarreal 2-0 thanks to an own goal from Estupinan on 53 minutes and a strike from Mane less than two minutes later.
• Villarreal shocked Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals with a late goal in Germany enough to secure a 1-1 draw and 2-1 aggregate win.
• Liverpool and Villarreal have met only three times previously, with the head to head stats showing two wins for Liverpool and one for the Spaniards.
• Venue & Location: Estadio de la Ceramica (Villarreal, Spain)
• Kick-Off Time: 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time (9:00 p.m. local time)

Villarreal vs. Liverpool Betting Odds

Odds are via Bovada Sportsbook.

Moneyline

• Villarreal to win +390
• Draw +290
• Liverpool to win -145

Over/Under Goals

• Over 2.5 goals -145
• Under 2.5 goals +115

Villarreal’s Domestic Worries Continue

Villarreal have given their fans plenty to cheer over the last 12 months, beating Manchester United to be crowned kings of the Europa League before blazing a trail of glory into the semi-final of the Champions League.

On the continent, Villarreal have been nothing short of impressive, with many unexpected wins in this competition. They finished second behind Manchester United in the Champions League group stages but remain active in this tournament despite the Red Devils being out.

Their domestic form hasn’t been anywhere near as impressive as their European results, as the squad has struggled to juggle competing in UEFA’s elite tournament and the La Liga.

It looks like the home team sacrificed their La Liga goals to concentrate on the Champions League a few months ago. It’s not an approach every supporter is behind, and it means Villarreal must win this trophy to play in the competition next season.

The home team prepare for this match with a recent La Liga record of two wins, two defeats and a draw. They are currently ranked seventh in the table and saw a three-match unbeaten run come to a halt at the weekend when losing 2-1 away to Alaves.

That was a match they were expected to win but were already two goals behind by the time Chukwueze hit a reply early in the second half. They pressed for a leveller but were unable to find that second goal that would guarantee them a point.

Reds Enjoy a Winning Run

Since drawing 2-2 with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last month, Liverpool have recovered to put together a three-game winning run.

They have claimed a maximum of nine points in their last three games and are in the mix for the Premier League title. Jurgen Klopp’s side are just a point behind the champions, but time is running out to pass them into pole position.

The team from Anfield won again at the weekend when beating Newcastle United 1-0 at St James’ Park in a battling performance.

The Magpies and Reds have served up some memorable and high scoring games over the years but one strike from Kieta on 19 minutes was enough to seal the deal on Saturday. Both teams created scoring chances in the second 45, but neither held the composure in the final third to find the net. Another win and another clean sheet for Klopp and co.

It was a similar story at Anfield in the first leg against Villarreal last midweek. Pundits had the Reds picked to win the match and score a few goals in the process. They did just that thanks to an OG from Estupinan, with the second scored by Mane with 55 minutes on the clock.

That result means Liverpool have won their last five games in all competitions and have kept a clean sheet in their four most recent outings. That reliable defence will be called into action again on Tuesday.

Head-to-Head Stats & Trends for Villarreal vs. Liverpool

These teams aren’t exactly familiar foes, having met just three times previously, with two wins for Liverpool and one for Villarreal.

They first crossed paths in the 2016 Europa League when Villarreal claimed an impressive 1-0 win at home but were beaten 3-0 in England and then 2-0 in the first leg. Another 1-0 defeat in Spain wouldn’t be the worst result for Liverpool as it would see them through to the final.

We can take a few clues from the stats and head to head. The one that leapt off the page at us when previewing this match was that one team has failed to score in each of the three games played between Villarreal and Liverpool.

That encourages us to take a punt on no in the both teams to score market, and with a tight second leg expected, backers will get a run for their money with that play.

The last two have produced Liverpool wins to nil, and with the Reds winning their last four matches without conceding a goal, that looks a bet worth having.

The home team have to go on the attack and get the first goal of the game which means Liverpool are likely to sit back, defend then hit their opponents on the break.

Villarreal vs. Liverpool Betting Tip – Liverpool win to nil (+200 at Bovada Sportsbook)