Benfica vs Liverpool Champions League Quarter Final - Match Report

Liverpool beat Benfica 3-1 in the Champions League quarter-final first leg last night, giving themselves a strong advantage heading into the second leg at Anfield in a week's time.

The difference in class between the two sides was evident throughout the tie, but, Benfica will come away from the game with positives having had penned back a period in the second half.

Jurgen Klopp’s team started the game on the front foot and seemed most likely to open the scoring against a Benfica team that struggled to handle Liverpool’s style of play.

After the opening period of domination by Liverpool, they finally broke the deadlock. Andy Robertson's corner was converted by an unmarked Konate which made it 1-0 to Liverpool.

Konate’s headed goal was the first goal he has scored for Liverpool since his arrival in the summer window.

Shortly after the opener, Liverpool doubled their advantage. A trademark cross-field pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold was headed coolly by Luis Diaz into the path of Sadio Mane who then poked the ball past the keeper and into the back of the net to make it 2-0.

Benfica clawed one back in the early moments of the second half as a cross was hit into the Liverpool penalty area and converted home from the six-yard box by Nunes after Ibrahima Konate fumbled his clearance and let the ball roll straight into the path of the Benfica number 9.

The goal for Benfica increased the volume in the stadium and stunned Liverpool - resulting in a long period of domination by the Portuguese team. However, they were unable to capitalise on a stunned Liverpool side and were left to rue their missed chances at full time.

Right before the end of the match, Naby Keita played a smart, albeit deflected, ball through to Luis Diaz who took the ball past the keeper and smashed the ball into an empty net.

The game ended 3-1 leaving Benfica with a mountain to climb when they travel to Anfield in a weeks time.