Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp paid tribute to the families who, for 27 years, fought to get justice for the 96 Liverpool fans who died in the 1989 Hillsborough stadium disaster.

On 26 April, after two years of hearings into Britain's worst sporting disaster, an inquest concluded the 96 fans were unlawfully killed, a decision that could pave the way for prosecutions.

Current manager Klopp said at a news conference in Spain on 27 April, ahead of his side's first leg of the Europa League semi-final against Villarreal: "It was a very big moment for all the families and I'm really pleased for them and really happy for them. Finally they got the justice they wanted so I'm really happy."

Liverpool, despite their struggles in the Premier League this season, will begin as favourites as they bid to reach a 12th European final. Villarreal have never contested a single one. However, right-back Alberto Moreno said he does not feel any of the four semi-finalists are out of things.

"I do not like the favourite label. All four teams in semi-finals are favourites. Arriving at this point is really difficult and I don't like to consider us as favourites. Matches can be won by any team, but tomorrow we will give it all and look for the victory," he said as he addressed journalists with Klopp.

The Liverpool coach also added Villarreal would not be an easy rival to overcome if Liverpool were to reach their first European final since 2007. Klopp's Liverpool came from 3-1 down against Dortmund to win 4-3 with a goal in stoppage time that secured a 5-4 aggregate success.

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