Liverpool came victorious quite comfortably against Benfica by 3-1 in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at Lisbon.
The visitors started the game brilliantly and were already 2-0 up before the first half. They could have scored more had they been clinical in front of the goal. Meanwhile, the hosts scored one back early in the second half with the help of a silly mistake from Ibrahima Konate. But, Luis Diaz regained the two-goal margin just before the final whistle.
Following this victory, Liverpool has now almost secured their place in the Champions League semi-final. As they will play the second leg at home and it will be a daunting task for Benfica to win by two or more goals at Anfield against a mighty Reds team.
Liverpool player ratings against Benfica:
Alisson – 6/10
The Brazilian had a comfortable night apart from conceding the goal in the second half.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7/10
The Englishman displayed a great performance after recovering from the injury and created few chances for the attackers.
Ibrahima Konate – 6/10
Scored the opener for Liverpool but made a bad error which ended up at the back of the net. That goal gave a lifeline to the host.
Virgil Van Dijk – 7/10
The Dutchman was at his usual best and stopped the opposition attacks effortlessly.
Andrew Robertson – 7/10
Provided a great cross for the first goal and overall a great performance by the Scotsman.
Fabinho – 7/10
Controlled the midfield and distribution and was very good from the former Monaco man.
Naby Keita – 7/10
Provided the final pass for Luis Diaz for the third goal and overall a great performance from him.
Thiago Alcantara – 6/10
He didn’t have a great game in this encounter and in the end, he was taken off at the hour mark.
Mohamed Salah – 5.5/10
Missed two glorious chances and on a few occasions his touch let him down in this game.
Sadio Mane – 7/10
Played extremely well in the center-forward position and also scored the second goal.
Luis Diaz – 8/10
The best player of the night. Assisted the second goal and also scored the third. He is turning out to be a great purchase by Jurgen Klopp.
Substitute:
Jordan Henderson – 7/10
Played the last half an hour and the Reds captain did excellently.
Diogo Jota – 6/10
Missed a great chance but overall a decent outing for the Portuguese.
Roberto Firmino – 6/10
The Brazilian played like he always does. Worked extremely hard off the ball and tidy with possession.
James Milner – N/A
Came very late in the game and he did not have enough time to influence the game.
Joe Gomez – N/A
The Englishman also came very late in the game and he did not have enough time to impact the game.
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