They lived up to their role as favourites: Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool FC won the first leg of the quarter-finals of the Champions League against Benfica – and impressed with dream goals.
Beforehand, Jürgen Klopp said about Benfica Lisbon: “Benfica is extremely strong – especially if you let them have their way.” But that’s exactly what Liverpool didn’t allow in the quarter-final first leg of the Champions League and won 3-1.
Die Tore in Portugal schossen Liverpools Ibrahima Konaté (17.), Sadio Mané (34.), Benficas Darwin Núñez (49) und “Reds”-Star Luis Díaz (87.).
Konate hits with his head
The guests put pressure on Benfica from the start. So it was only a matter of time before the first goal was scored. After two huge chances by Mo Salah and Naby Keita, Ibrahima Konaté then headed in for Liverpool FC to make it 1-0 (17th). Benfica then looked shocked to have conceded a goal from a corner. Nevertheless, the hosts didn’t give up and kept trying to get through – without success.
In return, the “Reds” increased to 2-0 through Sadio Mané (34th). It got a little quieter in the stadium as a result. However, things turned around after the half-time break when goal scorer Konaté of all people developed a lack of concentration and Benfica’s Darwin Núñez took advantage of the situation – and scored the goal to make it 2-1 (49th).
collision just before the end
Benfica dominated the game in the second half and oozed confidence. Nevertheless, coach Nélson Veríssimo’s team failed to score. Luis Díaz increased the score to make it 3-1 (87th) for the guests from the island.
There was an ugly scene just before the end when Benfica’s defender Nicolás Otamendi and Liverpool’s Fabinho collided in a head-to-head duel. Otamendi got a head bandage and continued playing. Fabinho saw a cut on his head. Both were treated.
The second leg at the “Reds” will take place on April 13 at 9 p.m. (in the t-online live ticker). The victory in the first leg gives the Klopp team all the better chances of moving into the semi-finals of the premier class. The last time Liverpool FC was able to win the handle pot was in 2019.
