Liverpool booked a Champions League semi-final date against Villareal after Wednesday night’s 3-3 draw against Benfica ensured a 6-4 win on aggregate for the Reds.
MATCH PROCEEDINGS
The visitors looked to take control early on in the second leg contest at Anfield with Benfica winger Everton seeing his shot go just past the post after a counterattack move.
On the other end of the pitch, Benfica’s man between the goalposts Odisseas Vlachodimos was called into action to deny Jota and Firmino in quick succession.
The breakthrough, however, finally arrived for Liverpool and this time it was Ibrahima Konate as well who got the opener for his side with the defender heading Tsimikas’ delivery into the back of the net.
Benfica pulled a goal back through Ramos after James Milner’s challenge had deflected the ball into the attacker’s path and he made no mistake in slotting his effort past Alisson.
The second period started on a good note for Liverpool who restored their lead with 10 minutes played as Diogo Jota sent the ball inside the box for Firmino to tap in.
Firmino doubled his tally for the day to make it 3-1 for Liverpool after Kostas Tsimikas powered in a peach of delivery for the Brazilian forward to meet it on the volley.
Klopp’s men were set back by twin strikes from the visiting Benfica side who responded through Yaremchuk and then levelled the affair with dangerman Darwin Nunez lobbing his effort over Alisson to make it 3-3.
Liverpool’s first-leg advantage, however, meant that the Merseysiders stood assured of a semi-final berth.
