Liverpool have taken a giant leap towards the next stage of the Champions League after defeating Benfica in the quarter-final first leg at the Estádio da Luz.
Ibrahima Konate, Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz were all on target for the Reds in a 3-1 win - and they now have one foot in the door of the semi-finals ahead of next week’s return clash at Anfield.
Liverpool opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Konate powered home a header from a corner.
Then Sadio Mane doubled the Reds’ lead on 34 minutes. Diaz headed down a long ball and Mane slotted home with ease.
Yet Liverpool gifted Benfica a lifeline four minutes into the second half. Konate swiped at thin air when trying to clear a cross and Darwin Nunezwas the one who profited and tucked home.
However, Klopp’s side restored their two-goal advantage in the dying embers when Luis Diaz rounded the home keeper and finished calmly into an empty net.
The heroes
- Luis Diaz: a goal and an assist for the winger on his return to Portugal having been signed from Porto. The fact that he was left on the pitch over Mane and Mo Salah speaks volumes about his importance.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold: a fine display from the right-back. He was Liverpool’s chief creator and showed off his potent passing arsenal.
- Naby Keita: the midfielder has his critics but he was Liverpool’s best midfielder. Provided thrust, nous and desire in the middle of the park. Klopp’s decision to play Keita paid off.
The villains
- Mo Salah: Liverpool’s 28-goal top scorer has hit a real dip in form. Well below his best for a second straight game and spurned a big chance. A worry ahead of Sunday’s trip to Manchester City.
- Benfica’s defence: poor defending allowed Konate a free header and things soon unravelled from there.
Player ratings
Liverpool opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Konate powered home a header from a corner.
5. Andy Robertson - 7
Lovely corner which led to Ibou Konate’s goal. Also whipped in another superb cross that was nodded over by Naby Keita. Photo: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
6. Fabinho - 7
Kept the ball well in the first half then added penetration from midfielder when Benfica started to get back into to the game. Photo: Angel Martinez/Getty Images
7. Naby Keita - 8
Had a good first half on his return to the team. Linked up well with Thiago and Mo Salah playing in the right channel. There was one through ball that Salah should have tucked away. But showed great thrust and vision to assist Luis Diaz’s late goal. Brought off late on. Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images
8. Thiago Alcantara - 7
Displayed his array of passing once again in the first half and really knitted play together. But struggle when Benfica started to get on top, culminating in him giving the ball away then being booked. Subbed on the 61st minute. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images