Jurgen Klopp jokes about Man City's Champions League thriller vs Real Madrid

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has predicted that his side's Champions League semi-final clash with Villarreal won't be "quite as open" as Manchester City's seven-goal thriller with Real Madrid.

The Blues will take a one-goal advantage to the Spanish capital for the second leg but could have been out of sight with the chances they squandered. City had a two-goal lead no fewer than three times at the Etihad and will need a resolute performance in Madrid if they are to book their place in the final

Liverpool are in the other side of the draw and face giant-killers Villarreal who knocked out Bayern Munich in the last round. Unai Emery got the better of Klopp in Europe back in 2016 as his Sevilla side broke the hearts of the Merseyside outfit in the Europa League final.

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Both City and Liverpool are fighting to gain an advantage over the other in the Premier League title race. City travel to Elland Road on Saturday while Liverpool face Newcastle in the early kick-off.

Speaking to BT Sport before his side's clash with Villarreal, Klopp said: "I expect intensity (against Villarreal). I don't think it will be as open as the game last night (City vs Real)! It was a really good watch.

"I expect to have less space tonight! Hopefully they will have no space as well."

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