Villarreal striker Roberto Soldado has said that Europa League success this season is a "dream" for the Yellow Submarine.

The Spanish outfit will welcome Liverpool to El Madrigal for the first leg of their semi-final on Thursday, before making the trip to England next week.

Soldado, who joined Villarreal from Tottenham Hotspur last summer, has conceded that "it will be difficult" for his team, but is confident that they can win Europe's second competition this season.

"For Villarreal to get through to the final would be a great reward. It is the dream we all have. We strongly believe in our chances, although we know it will be difficult," Soldado told reporters.

"They are a very direct team on the ball. It's a great group and this is why they are in a European semi-final. We need the best of everyone tomorrow to get a great result and that means that we all give 100%. We must give the highest level. We should not feel pressure and enjoy the game with our people."

Soldado has played in the UEFA Cup/Europa League semi-finals on two previous occasions, with Osasuna in 2007 and Valencia in 2012.