Liverpool vs Villarreal Preview: Anfield Hosts a Rematch of a Famous 2022 Semi-Final

Villarreal were three goals up in the first half at Anfield in the 2022 semi-final first leg, and then lost it in a famous second-half collapse. This week, the Yellow Submarine are back in Liverpool, and both clubs arrive on a high after convincing wins in Europe. Liverpool vs Villarreal is a league phase fixture in the UEFA Champions League, and it is a chance for Liverpool to take control of their group-phase position against a side that has already beaten Napoli. Below you'll find the match details, form, history and our prediction, plus the Liverpool vs Villarreal match page on score808 if you want to follow the game online.

Liverpool vs Villarreal: Match Details

• Competition: UEFA Champions League 2026/27, league phase, Gameweek 3
• Date: Tuesday, 20 October 2026
• Kick-off: 20:00 UK time, which is 19:00 UTC and 21:00 CEST. Some pages show 15:00, which is the same moment in a US time zone, so confirm on UEFA.com.
• Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
• Away fans: One ticketing site says visiting supporters are not allowed, while another mentions a large Villarreal contingent, so confirm the away allocation.
• Follow online: score808.stream

The League Phase: Early Points and Early Momentum

The Champions League's league phase gives each club eight games against different opponents, and the final table decides who goes straight to the knockouts and who has to play off. Liverpool opened with a 2-1 win over Atlético Madrid, then reportedly scored six at LASK on 14 October. Villarreal lost 3-2 at Borussia Dortmund on opening night and have since moved up to the top half of the table with a win over Napoli, according to a table published before this round.

After Villarreal, Liverpool visit Fenerbahçe on 4 November, Club Brugge on 25 November, host Porto on 9 December, travel to Inter Milan on 19 January and finish at home to Lens on 27 January.

Liverpool: Strong in Europe, Searching at Home

Liverpool's European form is excellent, but their domestic performances have been patchier, including heavy league defeats and goal droughts. Starting11's tracker shows they have kept 67% of their starting eleven across their last six matches, and they played in the Premier League three days before this one, so rotation is likely.

Anfield on a European night is a unique atmosphere, and Liverpool will see the game as a chance to build on a strong start in the competition. They also face the challenge of managing a heavy schedule across competitions.

Villarreal: Rotating, but Dangerous

Villarreal are in a good place. They bounced back from the loss in Dortmund with a win against Napoli at home, and they have been steady in La Liga, where they also played three days before this match. The squad rotates a lot: Starting11 shows only 56% of their starting eleven kept across their last six matches, which suggests a squad with depth and a coach willing to change things.

Villarreal's young players, including teenagers from the club's academy, have been used regularly, and the team has shown it can compete with bigger names.

Head-to-Head: Liverpool Have the Edge

Liverpool have won three of the four meetings, with Villarreal winning one.

• 3 May 2022: Villarreal 2-3 Liverpool (Champions League semi-final)
• 27 April 2022: Liverpool 2-0 Villarreal (Champions League semi-final)
• 5 May 2016: Liverpool 3-0 Villarreal (Europa League semi-final)
• 28 April 2016: Villarreal 1-0 Liverpool (Europa League semi-final)

All four meetings have been semi-finals, which shows how big a stage these two clubs have shared.

Key Battles to Watch

1. Liverpool's attack against Villarreal's defence. Six goals at LASK shows what Liverpool can do, but Villarreal are a better-organised opponent.

2. Villarreal's counter-attack. The visitors have the pace to hurt a Liverpool side that pushes forward.

3. Squad depth. Both teams played three days earlier, so substitutes could be decisive.

4. The Anfield atmosphere. A European night in Liverpool is one of the most intimidating settings in football.

Team News

Confirmed line-ups were not available at the time of writing. Starting XIs are announced about an hour before kick-off. Follow updates on the live score808 match page.

Prediction: Liverpool vs Villarreal

Liverpool's European form, home advantage and the Anfield atmosphere make them favourites. Our pick is a narrow Liverpool win, though Villarreal's quality means they could score. Please gamble responsibly, and only where it is legal.

Follow Liverpool vs Villarreal Online with Score808

Want to keep up with the game? Head to score808.stream for Liverpool vs Villarreal and other Champions League fixtures. Bookmark score808 for the rest of the league phase.

Liverpool vs Villarreal: FAQs

What time is Liverpool vs Villarreal?
Kick-off is 20:00 UK time on Tuesday 20 October 2026, which is 19:00 UTC and 21:00 CEST.

Where is Liverpool vs Villarreal being played?
At Anfield in Liverpool.

Which competition is this match part of?
The UEFA Champions League, league phase 2026/27, Gameweek 3.

When did these teams last meet?
On 3 May 2022, when Liverpool won 3-2 at Villarreal in the Champions League semi-final second leg.

How did both teams start their campaigns?
Liverpool beat Atlético Madrid 2-1, and Villarreal lost 3-2 at Dortmund.

Who does Liverpool play next in the Champions League?
Fenerbahçe away on 4 November 2026.

Where can I follow Liverpool vs Villarreal online?
On the score808 Liverpool vs Villarreal match page.