Pau Torres hints at new Villarreal ‘surprises’ that could catch ‘clear favourites’ Liverpool out

Pau Torres believes Liverpool will be aware of what Villarreal are capable of ahead of their Champions League semi-final, even if the Reds are “clear favourites”.

Liverpool’s pursuit of a potential four-trophy haul will continue with European commitments next week. They will be up against Villarreal for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at Anfield on Wednesday.

Winners of the competition as recently as 2019, Liverpool enter the tie as favourites. Indeed, some believe they have a good chance of replicating their continental success this season.

However, Villarreal have already knocked out a couple of sides they were underdogs against this season. Juventus and Bayern Munich could not get the better of last season’s Europa League winners.

One of their key players, Pau Torres, has been looking ahead to the upcoming semi-final. The in-demand defender acknowledges Liverpool may have the advantage – and Villarreal may be losing their element of surprise – but is backing his side to make it competitive again.

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“They are the clear favourites right now; they are in great form,” he told Marca.

“They don’t seem to be, and they take advantage of any slip-up at the slightest opportunity. We have to know who we’re up against, and it’s okay to recognize that they are favourites.

“But so were Juve and Bayern. We