Liverpool’s Nathaniel Clyne (left) challenges Denis Suarez, of Villarreal, last night.

Villarreal’s Adrian Lopez snatched a stoppage-time winner at home to Liverpool to move them closer to a first European final after the first leg of their Europa League last four clash finished 1-0 yesterday.

Liverpool, who got a taste of their own medicine having scored deep in added time to knock out Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals, looked comfortable before Denis Suarez broke into the box and unselfishly squared for Lopez to sweep home.

In the other semi-final, holders Sevilla had their fingers briefly loosened from the trophy before grabbing a 2-2 draw at Shakhtar Donetsk that left them well-placed to progress.

Sevilla’s bid to become the first side to lift the trophy three years running got off to a great start when they opened the scoring through Vitolo after six minutes.

Shakhtar produced a spirited response, though, with goals from Marlos and Taras Stepanenko to lead at half-time before Kevin Gameiro’s 82nd-minute penalty left the Spaniards favourites to progress with two away goals.

Klopp had urged his players not to waste that dramatic win over Borussia Dortmund two weeks ago and Joe Allen, on his first European start since November 26 and only his fourth in the competition this season, almost got them off to a flier.

Arriving into the penalty area at speed in the fifth minute he could only direct Adam Lallana’s cross straight at Sergio Assenjo when a shot a yard either side of goalkeeper would have produced the breakthrough.

Without the focal point of Divock Origi, out injured, Liverpool were aimless in the final third.

Too often crosses were swung in at no one in particular, giving centre-backs Eric Bailly and Victor Ruiz an easy ride.

As a result Villarreal had the better chances with former Tottenham striker Roberto Soldado off-target with two shots at either end of the half, while Simon Mignolet got down well to parry Tomas Pina’s low effort.

Villarreal right-back Mario Gaspar also had efforts snuffed out by Kolo Toure, continuing in central defence with Mamadou Sakho now officially suspended by UEFA for a failed drugs test – and Lovren.

The ineffectual Philippe Coutinho – reportedly being watched by Barcelona scouts – was replaced by winger Jordon Ibe at the break after feeling unwell but within 40 seconds of the restart Cedric Bakambu headed against the post from Jonathan dos Santos’ corner.

Firmino, having kept himself onside, responded midway through the half with a shot which Asenjo tipped onto the upright.

Mignolet came to their rescue three minutes from time when Bakambu seized on Ibe’s mistake while charging full-back Alberto Moreno ignored the unmarked winger from a quick counter-attack and instead fired into the side-netting.

But in added time substitute Lopez slid the ball home after Denis Suarez had outpaced defender Toure.

The semi-finals – first legs

Played yesterday
Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) vs Sevilla (Spain) - 2-2
Villarreal (Spain) vs Liverpool (England) - 1-0

Second legs: May 5.

Final: May 18 – St Jakob Park, Basel.