---
title: "Four Findings: Villarreal 1-0 Liverpool"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/four-findings-villarreal-1-0-liverpool/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Fred Haas"
section: "Articles"
published: "2016-04-29T09:45:11Z"
modified: "2016-04-29T09:45:11Z"
---

# Four Findings: Villarreal 1-0 Liverpool

In a cruel punishment, Liverpool fell to Villarreal 1-0 in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final at El Madrigal Stadion. Having controlled much of the match and defended well, the Reds lost their concentration in stoppage time and conceded.

From the start, Liverpool looked to play somewhat safe in the hopes of drawing away from home or nicking a goal. The conservative approach cost them and ultimately made the side look a bit naive, as they lacked the discipline to see the match out and return to Anfield all square.

The tactics nearly paid off but not quite and Liverpool dug themselves a bit of a hole to escape at Anfield. As has been the case with Liverpool, the Reds made things more difficult than they needed to be.

In truth, Liverpool should have taken a lead in the match. Between the ball in the first that fell beautifully for Joe Allen, only to be driven right at the keeper, or the poor offside call on Adam Lallana in the second half, where he was in free behind the defense by yards, the Reds graft did not translate into a lot of luck.

Here are four findings from the match.