Despite a thrilling show by Benfica at Anfield, Liverpool will meet Villarreal in the Champions League semi-finals, with the Reds progressing 6-4 on aggregate following a 3-3 second-leg draw in their quarter-final clash.
After gaining a 3-1 first-leg lead, Liverpool were widely regarded as favorites, and they showed why early in Tuesday’s match. Ibrahima Konate headed home the opener from a corner for Benfica, just as he did in the opposite encounter.
Probably inadvertently, James Milner played Goncalo Ramos in on goal, and the kid finished brilliantly to draw the game level, but it was still Liverpool’s game. They attacked brilliantly in the second half, with Kostas Tsimikas impressing on the left, and it appeared as if they were taking the game away from Benfica.
Diogo Jota fired the ball across goal for a tap-in for his attack partner, Roberto Firmino, after some hurried defense from the visitors left them at sixes and sevens. The visitors appeared to be in for a tough night when Firmino scored his second after poor Benfica marking following a Tsimikas free-kick.
The opposing team, on the other hand, played with heart. They continued coming, probing the Liverpool defense whenever they had the chance, just as they had in the first game. They equalized when Roman Yaremchuk pounced on Alex Grimaldo’s pass from behind, kept his calm to round Alisson and put home. VAR overruled the initial offside judgment, with Joe Gomez playing him on.
Liverpool were concerned after what appeared to be a modest consolation goal, not least because it led to a Benfica third eight minutes later. Darwin Nunez, who opened out his body and put a wonderful finish just inside the near post, was the recipient of a long ball in behind. Again, a simple run by a Benfica attacker was all it took to go in behind the defense.
The visiting fans were ecstatic as an unlikely comeback seemed feasible. Despite this, Liverpool continued to have chances, and it was improbable that Benfica would complete the comeback, even at 3-3 on the night.
Liverpool vs. Benfica final score
| 1H | 2H | Final | |
| Liverpool | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Benfica | 1 | 3 | 3 |
That was the end of it. While Liverpool proceeded to face Villarreal, the Eagles did themselves and their fans proud with a valiant performance in an exciting match.
