Jordan Henderson admits Liverpool got "lucky" at crucial moment vs Villarreal

Jordan Henderson has admitted that Liverpool got "bit lucky" in finding an opening goal against Villarreal following a resolute defensive first-half from Unai Emery's side.

The Reds found a breakthrough early in the second period after Henderson's cross deflected off defender Pervis Estupinan to bamboozle Geronimo Rulli – with Sadio Mane prodding home a second just two minutes later.

The result gives Jurgen Klopp's side a huge advantage going into next week's second-leg, having gone into the tie as huge favourites thanks to their almost faultless Premier League form, despite Villarreal seeing off German champions Bayern Munich in the last round.

Henderson told BT Sport: "They are a very organised team, we knew they were going to make it difficult, but it was important for us to remain focused, stay positive and keep moving the ball quick and eventually we would break them down and we did with two good goals."

Adding of the first goal: "It was a bit lucky.

"It was good play but it is lucky because it comes off the ‘keeper and on to the post, but you need a little bit of luck when the team is playing with a low block, I thought that lifted the crowd and thankfully we got another one."

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With team-mate Andy Robertson saying of their ability not to get frustrated while playing against a defensive block: "Yeah, that was the message from (Jordan) Hendo and the gaffer at half time, just saying we were playing well, some of the best stuff we have played this season and we didn’t get a goal for it.

"But we stayed patience, got that first goal and managed to get that breakthrough."

Adding of Mane's goal: "Look, we had a few chances in the first half trying to break them down and keep doing what we were doing. The first goal gives us momentum, the atmosphere here after that goal was sensational, and the second one.

"It would have been nice to add a second, but a clean sheet and two goals, you can't argue with that."

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand said of Liverpool on BT Sport: "This is the best Liverpool team I’ve ever seen. They’re relentless with and without the ball. It’s the way they press teams, the energy, effort, application, you marvel at it.

"That [the quadruple] has got to be the aim. They are going to set themselves the target. If they achieve it they’re immortal, they are above anyone that has played the game in this country.

"Whether they can achieve it remains to be seen. But they’re ticking boxes along the way at the moment."

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