Villarreal boss Marcelino says Liverpool will 'suffer' in Europa tilt

Ahead of Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg against English upstarts Liverpool, Villarreal gaffer Marcelino insists that his side is fair value to make the continental finals.

The Reds are favourites as they travel to the Estadio El Madrigal to lock horns with the Yellow Submarine, though Marcelino is adamant that his side will be a match for Jurgen Klopp's inspired lot.

"Liverpool might be the favourite - the club, their history, and the fact that they knocked out Borussia Dortmund all add up - but we don't consider ourselves to be less than them," Marcelino told reporters ahead of the first leg in the Castello province.

"We are going to give everything from our side to eliminate this legendary team.

"We don't have any pressure on us. I'm really satisfied with and grateful to this squad for getting to this semi-final."

Villarreal has lost each of its three previous continental semi-final appearances, though the former Sporting Gijon defender admits that the pressure is on the visitors from the Merseyside.

"I felt more pressure in the previous knockout ties. We have the chance to make history at this club now.

"If we manage to enjoy the match and do the things we know how to do I think they're going to suffer a lot at our ground."