Villarreal vs Liverpool is the upcoming match in the second leg of this year's UEFA Champions League as Liverpool travel to the home of Villareal with a 2-0 advantage from last week's first leg.

Villareal vs Liverpool: Match Preview:

Liverpool eased past Villarreal in the first leg by winning 2-0. We fancy the Reds to win again in Spain but expect the Yellow Submarine to at least give their fans a goal to celebrate. So, first, why do we expect Liverpool to win?

Well, Villarreal followed up their loss at Anfield with a La Liga defeat. Liverpool meanwhile beat an in form Newcastle I to take their winning run to five games. Then attention turns to why Villarreal will score.

The Estadio de la Ceramica is known to be a tough ground to visit with the home fans right on top of the pitch and, on top of that, they scored against Bayern in the last round whilst having 11 shots on goal in their home leg; the idea of them being lacklustre in attack simply isn't true.

Team News:

Villareal:

Villarreal's treatment room has started to fill up again at the worst time possible, with ex-Liverpool man Alberto Moreno and Yeremi Pino still absent, while Arnaut Danjuma was ruled out of the Alaves defeat at the last minute due to discomfort.

Francis Coquelin and Raul Albiol will hope to be fine for the second leg, but Gerard Moreno is still a major doubt due to his hamstring problem and may only be fit enough for a spot on the bench this week.

Pau Torres and Dani Parejo were taken off at half time in a tactical move from Emery at the weekend, and the Villarreal boss will revert to his strongest possible XI this week after ringing the changes for the domestic encounter.

Liverpool:

In contrast, Liverpool's only injury concern remains Brazilian attacker Roberto Firmino, whose foot injury is proving more difficult to overcome than initially anticipated, and he is at risk of missing the trip to Villarreal.

🟡 #UCL 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬 🔴

Ready for our semi-final second leg clash 👊#WalkOn | #VILLIV pic.twitter.com/ouhLKMHA3C

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 3, 2022

Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas both returned from illness to make the bench for the win over Newcastle, but cult hero Divock Origi was absent after picking up a bug, and Klopp was not afraid to make a multitude of changes at St James' Park.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Mohamed Salah and Thiago Alcantara are among those who will return to the first XI this week, and a 15th Champions League knockout goal for Sadio Mane would see him equal the record for the most strikes at this stage of the tournament for an English club – currently held by Frank Lampard.

Villareal vs Liverpool: Head to Head:

Liverpool have a good record against Villarreal and have won two out of the four matches played between the two sides. Villarreal have managed one victory against Liverpool and will need to level the scales on Tuesday.

The previous meeting between the two teams took place in the first leg last week and ended in a 2-0 victory for Liverpool. Villarreal struggled on the day and have a point to prove this week.

Recent performances in all competitions:

Villareal:

1-1 draw against Bayern Munich

2-1 win over Getafe

2-0 win over Valencia CF

2-0 loss against Liverpool

2-1 win over Alaves

Liverpool:

3-2 win over Manchester City

4-0 win over Manchester United

2-0 win over Everton

2-0 win over Villareal

1-0 win over Newcastle United

Villareal vs Liverpool: Predicted Line-ups:

Villarreal Predicted XI (4-3-3): Geronimo Rulli; Pau Torres, Raul Albiol, Juan Foyth, Pervis Estupinan; Dani Parejo, Etienne Capuoe, Manu Trigueros; Samuel Chukwueze, Giovani Lo Celso, Arnaut Danjuma

Liverpool Predicted XI (4-3-3): Alisson Becker; Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson; Luis Diaz, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah

VIL vs LIV : Dream11 Predictions:

If Carlo Ancelotti decides to accept the Brazilian position, Real Madrid will be working on hiring Jurgen Klopp, who might make a spectacular comeback to management. Among Jurgen Klopp's greatest achievements was leading Liverpool to the Premier League and a UEFA Champions League title. He stepped down as manager after the 2023-24 season. He also led Borussia Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles. 

Read Also: Brazil wants to sign current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after recent humiliation against Argentina.

Jurgen Klopp is currently working as a leader of global soccer for the Red Bull group, Klopp stated that he would not manage another English club and might be he will not be interested with management forever. However, he could choose to coach a national team or take a job.

Either of those options might be presented soon to him. According to TRBFootball, Klopp is reportedly one of the options for Brazil's national team head coach after Dorival Junior's dismissal. However, Carlo Ancelotti is also Brazil's top pick, according to different reports, Brazil's national football management has even begun negotiations with him. 

🚨NEW: Real Madrid among three clubs eyeing Jurgen Klopp for a sensational return to management, @GraemeBailey. pic.twitter.com/e5moUf65EX

— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) March 29, 2025

According to the reports, Klopp is one of the candidates Real Madrid is working on to replace their manager if Carlo Ancelotti departs. Los Blancos are looking for a manager who has worked with a mix of young players and superstars and the former Liverpool manager most definitely possesses that.

Read Also: Every Real Madrid's Players wages in 2025

As Real Madrid is one of the biggest clubs in the world, there would undoubtedly be some appeal if Klopp were to return to club management. Xabi Alonso, a former Real Madrid and Liverpool player is reportedly Los Blancos' preferred candidate.

 There is no assurance that he would accept the position at Real Madrid if it were offered, though, as he declined to leave his position at Bayer Leverkusen when the Liverpool position became available last year. That appears to be the case with Jurgen Klopp as well. But there is still a chance to connect with his former star Trent Alexander Arnold, who is rumored to be very close to joining Real Madrid.

Liverpool FC is reportedly on the verge of arranging Darwin Nunez's departure from Anfield this summer if the Saudi Arabian revives its interest in the striker.

The Uruguayan striker had moved to the Reds from Portuguese giants Benfica in a deal worth up to £85 million back in the summer transfer window of 2022.

With a struggling season continuing for him at the Merseyside club, Nunez is believed to be out of new coach Arne Slot's plans and will look to rejuvenate his career in the Gulf.

Nunez may leave Liverpool in the upcoming transfer window

Nunez's Liverpool career has been affected by difficulties, as he has found it hard to establish himself in the club throughout his early years.

In his three years at the Merseyside club, he has scored 40 goals in 136 games across all competitions, but this season has been the most disappointing so far for the 25-year-old, as he has scored just seven times across all competitions.

With the direction of new head coach Arne Slot, Nunez has found himself out of favor, another contributing factor to speculation about his future. 

🗞️ Liverpool are reportedly expecting major transfer offers from clubs in the Saudi Pro League for Darwin Nunez this summer.

(Source: @caughtoffside) pic.twitter.com/Zo5DqYSj6m

— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) March 28, 2025

Renowned Football Transfer journalist Duncan Castles broke the news on the latest episode of 'The Transfers Podcast' that Liverpool would accept a big Saudi Arabian offer and would be willing to urge Nunez to leave if they come back for him. Castles stated:

Liverpool would be happy if the Saudis came in and would encourage a move for Nunez. They would like to get some kind of significant return on the initial €75 million that they paid Benfica three years ago.

“From the Saudi perspective, [Nunez] still has that ability to be a name within the Saudi game and to deliver goals with his physicality. Interestingly, I’m told that his girlfriend, Lorena Manas, who is the ex-wife of former Barcelona player Aleix Vidal, has been working with agents to explore opportunities elsewhere.

“So it looks like this is both sides pushing against the same door with Nunez, or at least Nunez’s partner, encouraging him to look for a move and Liverpool happy to sell the player with a strong, affluent potential buyer in Saudi Arabia.

Interestingly, it had been hinted that Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr had made a substantial annual deal of €35 million towards Nunez back in January, having already made an offer of £58 million for the forward.

According to reports, Nunez's girlfriend, Lorena Manas, has also been working closely with agents to look into possible transfers in mutual consent, implying a joint pressure for a potential move.

UEFA has assigned an Ethics and disciplinary inspector to the actions of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Ceballos after Real Madrid's dramatic win in the penalty shoot-out over Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match on March 12.

One of the incidents being examined is a gesture of Antonio Rudiger's cut-throat celebrations towards the Atletico Madrid's fan base. Meanwhile, some video footage is circulating on social media, showing that Mbappe is making a gesture of groin-squeezing during the triumph celebrations. If the investigations lead to charges and a guilty sentence, the players could face disciplinary actions in the form of suspension, fines, or both.

UEFA's Statement:

🚨 UEFA announce they have opened an investigation into celebrations of Rüdiger, Ceballos, Mbappé and Vinicius Jr after the Real Madrid vs Atlético game at the Metropolitano. pic.twitter.com/Ni4D54i71P

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 27, 2025

A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players (Antonio Rüdiger, Kylian Mbappé, Daniel Ceballos Fernández, and Vinicius Junior) during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Club Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid CF on 12 March 2025.

What would Real Madrid's planning be?

Real Madrid will eagerly await UEFA's final statement, as a ban for Vinicius, Rudiger, Ceballos, and Mbappe could significantly impact their preparations for the tie against Arteta. They will face the Gunners on April 8 in the Emirates Stadium, with the return fixture a week later in Santiago Bernabeu.

Previous Incidents:

An example of similar behavior in the past led to financial fines and suspensions, setting an example that could influence UEFA’s decision on the current case.  Last summer, during Euro 2024, England midfielder Jude Bellingham was fined 30,000 euros and handed a one-match suspended ban for a groin-squeezing gesture after scoring a late equalizer in England’s 2-1 win over Slovakia in the tournament’s Round of 16.

Another example occurred in 2019 when Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone received a 20,000 euro fine for a similar act after his team scored against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League.

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Bayern Munich's Canadian left-back Alphonso Davies will miss six months due to a torn ACL, ending his season. The left-back suffered the injury during Canada's 2-1 victory over the United States of America last weekend. As a result, he was replaced after just 12 minutes. Even though the players and coaching staff seemed initially upbeat. It appears that the problem is more serious than previously.

The Club revealed that Davies will now be sidelined for at least six months due to a tear in his right knee's cruciate ligament. This conclusion was made after tests on the issue were conducted in Munich on Wednesday. He is scheduled for surgery, on Wednesday.

Dayot Upamecano will be out for an extended period.

Fight your way back quickly, Upa! 🍀

🔗 https://t.co/ZM2SZfWqRY pic.twitter.com/N3r0B3GfcD

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) March 26, 2025

Bayern Munich, who continue to be in the running for the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League this season were depressed by the news. The team will also need to address Dayot Upamecano's absence for several weeks due to left knee soreness.  So, Alphonso Davies' news is not the only issue for the Bavarians from the international break.

🚨 Bayern confirm Alphonso Davies has suffered ACL injury and he will be out for 6 months.

Dayot Upamecano will also be sidelined for several weeks with loose joints in his left knee. pic.twitter.com/Iai9gdgs9X

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 26, 2025

Alphonso Davies would not participate in the UEFA Champions League or the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. Vincent Kompany, the head coach of Bayern Munich, is disappointed by the news, as his team is trying for both the German title and the European cup this season.

Alphonso Davies has suffered an ACL tear.

Get well soon, Phonzy! We are all with you! ❤️

🔗 https://t.co/ZM2SZfWqRY pic.twitter.com/wGUafP5G8a

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) March 26, 2025

Alphonso Davies has been a consistent member of the Bayern Munich team, this season. In 30 games across all the competitions, he contributed three goals including two assists. With eight games remaining in the Bundesliga title race, Bayern Munich led Bayer Leverkusen by six points. Next Month, the German giant will play Inter Milan in a crucial UEFA Champions League quarterfinal match.

Sporting Director Max Eberl on the injuries to Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upamecano. 💬

🔗 https://t.co/ZM2SZfWqRY pic.twitter.com/lws2CffBFY

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) March 26, 2025

The Bavarians have been hit with a massive setback as they will miss Alphonso Davies for the remainder season, which means Vincent Kompany will have to play his alternative. Alphonso Davies has been impressive for the Bavarians under Vincent Kompany. His presence was significant for the team in the matches, helping them maintain their lead at the top of the table and keeping their UEFA Champions League aspiring alive.

Trent Alexander-Arnold could be set to join Real Madrid with reports suggesting that the Liverpool defender has finally agreed to move. Alexander-Arnold has been Real Madrid's biggest transfer target over the past few years. After Kylian Mbappe's move to Real Madrid, Los Blancos boss Florentino Perez's main target was Trent. However, over the past few years, Trent declined all the Los Blancos offers. 

According to @marca, Trent Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid is 99% complete 👀

The England right-back looks set to follow Jude Bellingham to the Bernabeu 🌟 pic.twitter.com/UJygPsBYhw

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 21, 2025

According to reports from Caught Offside, Los Blancos has finally secured the signing of the English Full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. According to the reports, Trent will join Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer transfer window. Real Madrid has been working on this scene for over two years, and finally, Trent declined Liverpool's every offer and wants to join Real Madrid.

🚨 BREAKING: Alexander Arnold’s signing is at 90%, practically DONE. He has a foot and a half in Real Madrid. @diarioas pic.twitter.com/8qDKDms2UY

— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) December 29, 2024

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a move to Real Madrid this January with Los Blancos keen on restricting a deal despite being able to join as a free agent in the summer. Moreover, Trent wants to stay at Liverpool this season and now he has struck a verbal agreement with Los Blancos' boss Carlo Ancelotti (according to Marca). But it remains unclear whether the agreement means the deal will go through this month.

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Liverpool already rejected a bid from Real Madrid in this winter transfer window. Although Liverpool and Real Madrid's management have remained quiet about this deal, it is looking like Trent wants to finish this season as a Liverpool player before waving goodbye to the Reds.

Trent is a talented right-back and has been a key player for Liverpool in recent years his quality has caught the eyes of Real Madrid's management. European giants like Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona were also in this transfer saga competing with Real Madrid, but Trent himself chose the Los Blancos. Liverpool's manager Arne Slot tried everything to convince the player to stay, but it seems that the English full-back already made his decision to move to the Spanish capital, where he will join Carlo Ancelotti's managed side.