Villarreal star Pau Torres has insisted they have nothing to lose when they face Liverpool in the Champions League semi-finals.
The Spanish side are the surprise inclusion in the last four of UEFA, having pulled off shock defeats of Juventus and Bayern Munich in the previous two rounds.
Like in those games, they are the underdogs for the clash with Liverpool, who are arguably one of the two best sides in Europe alongside Manchester City at this moment in time.
Indeed, Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently competing on three different fronts and could end up completing a quadruple of Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and EFL Cup if things go to plan.
They are overwhelming favourites to see off Villarreal as a result, particularly after their impressive performances against Manchester City and Manchester United over the last week.
Torres is more than aware of this but believes the favourites tag being given to Liverpool actually works in his side’s favour.
“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 are here to prepare for it, work on it and continue to cause surprises. In the end, we have nothing to lose; on the contrary.
“We are very hungry to do great things. We’ll be less of a surprise because we’ve just eliminated Juve and Bayern, so Liverpool will be a little more humble than Bayern were and will prepare thoroughly knowing what we’re capable of.”
