MY ACCOUNT
Trent Alexander-Arnold knows Liverpool must not be complacent when they start the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Villarreal on Tuesday with a “dangerous” 2-0 lead.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are strong favourites to face Manchester City or Real Madrid in the final at the Stade de France after a Pervis Estupinan own goal and Sadio Mane’s strike at Anfield last week put them in command
Liverpool are the only side to reach the final after losing the first leg of a semi-final by two goals or more, overturning a 3-0 deficit with a sensational 4-0 victory over Barcelona three years ago.
The Reds are unbeaten in 12 matches and make the trip to El Madrigal on a five-game winning streak – keeping clean sheets in their past four victories.
Alexander-Arnold says they will not arrive in Spain thinking it is already job done as they prepare to face a side that dumped Juventus and Bayern Munich out.
The full-back said: “Anything can happen in football, they’re a top-quality side who can beat world-class teams.
“We’ve seen that with Juve and Bayern. They play up to the underdog so we cannot get complacent. An old cliche, only half-time. Next goal is vital in this tie.”
Liverpool are in the hunt for an unprecedented quadruple, with the EFL Cup already in the cabinet, and England international is relishing the challenge of trying to win the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup in the coming weeks.
“I did say [he wanted to win] one trophy minimum, but when we stare down the barrel of a few, it’s…we win every game and we’ve got our hands on a lot more,” he said.
“These games are exciting for us at this stage. This time last season we were struggling for Champions League. Who can complain now?”
Alexander-Arnold added: “We’ve got world-class players, staff and manager. We don’t think we’ll get the final again, we’re in a good position so we make the most of it.
“We want to go there and win. We know we can’t be silly and get drawn into how they want to play but we want to make sure we get through.
“It’s a good lead but at the same time, it’s dangerous. Complacency cannot slip in.”
