Champions League – Pressure eased for Liverpool in home return fixture – after securing the victory against Benfica

Liverpool enjoyed a 3-1 away win this Tuesday, in the opening quarterfinals leg against Benfica at Estadio Do Sport Lisboa E Benfica. In the previous phase of the competition, Benfica won against Ajax; Liverpool, for their part, managed to beat Internazionale. Liverpool will now have a tough challenge in the return game, at their home stadium if they want to secure a place in the next stage of the Champions League.

It was an impressive opening from The Reds, with a goal from Ibrahima Konate, 17 minutes in. Liverpool then netted again and increased their lead thanks to a goal from Sadio Mane, 34 minutes in. The first half ended 0-2.

Benfica fought back, thanks to an early goal from Darwin Nunez in the 49th minute. Liverpool in turn, then responded just before the final whistle increasing their lead with an effort from Luis Diaz, leaving the final score at 3-1.

For Benfica, Soualiho Meite, Roman Yaremchuk and Joao Mario, came on for Adel Taarabt, Everton and Goncalo Ramos. Liverpool brought on Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota, Joe Gomez and James Milner, to replace Thiago, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Naby Keita.

There were bookings for Adel Taarabt from Benfica. For Liverpool, Thiago saw yellow.

This will be a very well received result for, on the back of a dismal draw in the first leg. It sets the stage for them well as they now move forward to the next stage of the Champions League.