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Europa League: Liverpool sunk by injury-time winner

Liverpool have been undone by a last minute Adrian Lopez goal, as they lost their Europa League first leg semi final against Villarreal 1-0.

Europa League: Liverpool sunk by injury-time winner

The dour semi final was lit up in injury time when a quick Villarreal counter-attack saw Denis Suarez break into the box and unselfishly square a pass for substitute Adrian Lopez.

Adrian, who scored in Atletico Madrid's Champions League semi-final win over Chelsea in 2014, was on hand to potentially deal out further misery to a Premier League side, while Liverpool will need another inspired Anfield night next week.

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Liverpool set pulses racing with a remarkable comeback and injury-time triumph over tournament favourites Borussia Dortmund in the previous round – a stark contrast to this largely cagey encounter.

Visiting manager Jurgen Klopp started without a conventional centre forward, leaving Daniel Sturridge as an unused substitute despite Divock Origi's injury absence and Liverpool lacked cutting edge despite a controlled display in midfield, led by the excellent James Milner.

Nominal attacking spearhead Roberto Firmino had a shot touched against the post by home goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo after Villarreal striker Cedric Bakambu came similarly close to his 10th Europa League goal of a stunning campaign.

It was left to fellow forward Adrian to crown a slick counter-attack – Bruno's lofted pass in behind Kolo Toure stylishly collected by Denis Suarez, who calmly rolled across goal to leave his team-mate with a simple finish.