Liverpool drew 3-3 in a thrilling Champions League night and booked their place into the Champions League semi-final at the expense of Benfica. Having defeated Benfica 3-1 in Portugal, Liverpool needed to avoid an unlikely three-goal defeat to progress to the last four. Although, it didn’t go completely to script as Benfica mounted a late comeback to make a comfortable night, a little edgier.
Liverpool took the lead in the first half through Ibrahima Konate but Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos levelled before the break. Liverpool went up a gear in the second period as Firmino struck twice inside 10 minutes before a late Benfica comeback saw Yaremchuk and Darwin Nunez level things once more.
The hosts took the lead on the night through a 21st-minute corner. Konate rose highest in the box and buried his header into the top right-hand corner. Just minutes later Benfica thought they had equalised as Nunez was slipped through on goal before calmly chipping his effort over Allison but the flag was raised and the goal was disallowed.
Liverpool almost doubled their advantage after a precise build up in the 26th minute fell to Luis Diaz and his effort from the right hand-side forced a strong save out of Vlachodimos. Firmino then had a golden opportunity to put the tie to bed in the 30th minute as Diaz’s flick-on fell to him inside the box but his shot deflected over the bar.
Benfica brought the tie back to where it started the night through a Goncalo Ramos 32nd minute goal. Ramos turned sharply before slipping his effort past a helpless Allison. There was a VAR check for offside but the goal stood.
In the 73rd minute, Benfica brought one back as Grimaldo played a well-timed through ball into Yaremchuk who cooly took the ball around Allison and tapped it into an empty net.
If the first goal back was a consolation, Darwin Nunez made the raucous Benfica fans believe an incredible comeback could be on in the 81st minute.
The exciting 22-year-old took over from Joao Mario after the Portuguese failed to control a long ball, before placing his side-footed effort into the bottom left-hand corner.
The flag went up initially for offside but after yet another VAR check, the goal was awarded.
Liverpool played the game out and now face a semi-final against Spanish side Villareal.
