Villarreal fans unfurled a flag ahead of Thursday night's kick-off in Spain

Villarreal fans paid their respects to the 96 victims of the Hillsborough disaster on Thursday night ahead of their 1-0 Europa League semi-final first leg win against Liverpool.

As the players walked out on the pitch ahead of the semi-final, a flag was unfurled that read: '96 - You'll never walk alone.'

The tribute followed the findings of a fresh inquest, which found that the 96 victims of the 1989 stadium disaster were unlawfully killed.

Liverpool and Villarreal players walk out ahead of the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday

Villarreal supporters unfurl a flag in tribute to the 96 fans who died in the Hillsborough disaster in 1989

A spokesperson for the La Liga club, who travel to Anfield next Thursday for the second leg, told Spanish newspaper AS: 'We were very saddened by the Hillsborough tragedy wanted to show solidarity and support which our club and our fans have with Liverpool and those who were affected by Hillsborough.'

Nicknamed the Yellow Submarine, Villarreal also played the famous Beatles' track 'Yellow Submarine' ahead of kick-off to recognise the musical heritage of the city of Liverpool.

Scarves were held aloft by a large section of the 21,000 supporters inside the ground read: 'Yellow Submarine'. There was also a inflatable yellow submarine that was carried to the El Madrigal stadium.

Villarreal fans hold scarves branded with their nickname and the famous Beatles' song: 'Yellow Submarine'

Villarreal fans paraded an inflatable yellow submarine ahead of the kick-off at the Estadio El Madrigal

Villarreal manager Marcelino will be confident that his side, after not conceding at home, can do what is required to progress to the Europa League final in Basle on May 18.

Adrian Lopez's goal in the 92nd minute was a huge blow to Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, who will need to score at least twice in order to knock their Spanish opponents out of the competition.

Klopp, who praised his side, wasn't happy with the reaction of Villarreal's coaching staff after Adrian scored.

Adrian Lopez scored the winning goal in the first leg of the semi-final to give Villarreal the advantage

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp vents his frustration during the second half of Thursday's Europa League tie

'I'm pleased with a lot of the performance, they're a good side but Liverpool are a good side too, controlling a game like this and in the 92nd minute a counter-attack... it sounds like it is – not too good, it should not happen.

'We had the chance of (Alberto) Moreno and Benteke had a header and maybe the youth came through. Until then it was a really professional performance.

'But it's the first leg and my thought when everyone was celebrating around me was: "Sorry, this is not over yet – you still have to come to Anfield," and we will be ready. It will be a completely different game. It's a holy place.'