Liverpool already have one foot in the Champions League semi-final as they beat the Portuguese side Benfica 3-1 in the first leg of the Quarterfinal.
Ibrahima Konate scored the first goal of the game from an Andrew Robertson corner kick in the 17th minute. Liverpool dominated possession in the early proceeding and looked quite comfortable in possession. Sadio Mane doubled the red’s lead in the 34th minute. Luis Diaz played the final pass of the move but Trent Alexander-Arnold’s amazing pass just before the goal deserved an assist too.
Liverpool went into the half-time 2-0 up and looked set to be heading for a comfortable win. But Darwin Nunez pulled one goal back right after the second-half kickoff. French centre-half Ibrahima Konate horribly misjudged a cross from the right flank and Darwin Nunez was on the spot to bounce on the opportunity.
Just after the goal, Jurgen Klopp made three substitutions. The substitutions played a very important part in the 3rd goal for Liverpool in the 87th minute. The side will be looking to make sure that there are no mishaps in the second leg of the Quater Finals. The reds now face Premier League leaders Manchester City next up in the league.
Liverpool player ratings
Alisson Becker 6/10
Allison made two big saves in the game. But was left helpless by Konate’s mistake leading to Benfica’s goal.
Andy Robertson 7/10
Another assist for the left-back. He also looked very assured against Benfica’s attack and was rarely troubled by Rafa.
Ibrahima Konate 6/10
It was quite literally a mixed bag for the French centre-half. He scored the first goal of the game but also made a massive mistake at the other end leading to the Portuguese side’s goal.
Virgil van Dijk 7/10
The Dutch centre-half led his side on the day and he made a couple of ball recoveries and used his pace at the back very well against Benfica’s front line.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 7/10
Coming back into the side after his injury layoff. But he looked on top form and was class. He also played an exceptional pass leading to Mane’s goal in the first half.
Fabinho 6/10
Very unlike Fabinho, the midfielder looked very shaky in the second half.
Thiago 6 /10
Just like many of the Liverpool players on the day, Thiago was brilliant in the first half. But he misplaced a few passes in the second half.
Naby Keita 8/10
Naby was brilliant on the day, he took some excellent attacking positions. Keita also assisted Diaz’s goal late on in the game.
Luis Diaz 8/10
Diaz scored one and assisted one in the day. The winger looks like a better and better signing for Liverpool match after match.
Sadio Mane 7/10
Recorded a goal on the night and looked like a constant threat for the Benfica backline.
Mohamed Salah 4/10
A very poor display by the Egyptian star. Salah struggled with his first touches and dribbles on the day and missed a great chance to grab a goal for himself in the first half.
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