Liverpool welcomed Benfica at Anfield earlier tonight as they looked to secure a win and book a place in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League. The Reds made a bright start to the game and got their noses ahead in the 21st minute when Ibrahima Konate found the back of the net with a powerful header. However, the Portuguese giants managed to equalize just 11 minutes later via Goncalo Ramos’ tidy finish. Both teams went into the half-time break with a 1-1 scoreline.
The Merseyside giants made a quick start to the second half and regained their lead in the 55th minute when Roberto Firmino scored from close range. The Brazilian talent went on to score again just ten minutes later with a composed finish. Benfica got a goal back in the 73rd minute via Roman Yaremchuk’s goal before Darwin Nunez equalised with an excellent finish in the 81st minute. The contest ended with both teams playing out a 3-3 draw but Liverpool secured qualification after winning the tie 6-4 on aggregate.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player performed during the match against Benfica.
GK: Alisson Becker – 6/10
The Brazilian keeper made a solid save to deny Nunez another goal in the second half but will be disappointed after conceding three goals tonight.
RB: Joe Gomez – 6/10
He made some good runs with the ball but looked vulnerable at times at the back.
CB: Joel Matip – 6/10
The Cameroon defender kept Nunez quiet in the first half but won’t be pleased with his performance in the second.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – 7/10
Konate found the back of the net with a good header in the first half. However, he was far from convincing when defending at the back.
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LB: Konstantinos Tsimikas – 7.5/10
The Greek full-back got forward at every chance he got and delivered some inviting crosses into the opposition penalty box. He has two assists to show for his efforts.
CM: Jordan Henderson – 6.5/10
He produced an energetic display at the centre of the park but ran out of gas and got substituted in the second half.
CM: James Milner – 6/10
Milner produced a battling display in midfield but could last only 57 minutes.
CM: Naby Keita – 6.5/10
He was a constant threat in the final third but failed to register a goal.
RW: Luis Diaz – 7/10
Diaz showed a lot of hunger to hunt the ball down and had some lively moments in the final third.
ST: Roberto Firmino – 8/10
The Brazilian striker had a quiet first half but came alive in the second and scored two quick-fire goals to ensure qualification for his team.
LW: Diogo Jota – 7/10
He worked hard and picked up a good assist for setting up Firmino’s first goal.
Substitutes:
RW: Mohamed Salah – 6.5/10
Salah added some pace to Liverpool’s attack.
CM: Fabinho – 6/10
He brought some control back to Jurgen Klopp’s midfield.
CM: Thiago Alcantara – 7/10
The Spaniard produced a passing masterclass after coming off the bench.
LW: Sadio Mane – 6/10
He had some bright moments up top but failed to score a goal.
ST: Divock Origi – N/A
Origi hardly had any time to make an impact.
