Liverpool

Liverpool host Benfica in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final at Anfield on Wednesday with the side selected by Reds boss Jurgen Klopp ...

The bookies are rarely wrong, and there is no doubt the Champions League represents their best chance of winning another trophy this season now. It is intriguing, as is the manager’s view of Liverpool’s quadruple challenge this season. And without question, Klopp’s side now have a clear pathway to Paris on May 28, and one which - at this level - seems a relatively serene passage to their 10th final in the competition. Hell, there is even the chance of Real Madrid in the final. This time, it was supposed to be Bayern Munich, the Germans also overwhelming favourites after their narrow first leg defeat in Spain. Yet the fact that Villarreal somehow beat all those odds stacked against them, somehow survived an onslaught from one of the most powerful teams in European football to nick a late winner, changes everything for the Reds. Instantly, the bookies made Liverpool favourites to win the Champions League, and also brought them in to just 12-1 to complete an historic quadruple.

Alisson claimed a cross well but then Ramos blocked his throw out to win Benfica possession back high up the pitch, but they could not make Liverpool pay.

Tsimikas with a cross into the box from the left but Otamendi heads away. Benfica have settled well in possession, making the pitch big and switching play to both flanks. At the other end, quick feet from Diaz wins Liverpool a free-kick but Milner hits his delivery into the wall. Just like in the first leg, Konate climbs highest from a corner and plants the header into the corner. Jota looked to have an avenue to shoot at goal but he played a reverse ball for Tsimikas who wins a corner. If they scored the first goal in 60 minutes or that would suit them just fine. What a chance for Liverpool to go back in front! There are three minutes of added time to come. Henderson tries to whip a first-time pass around the corner into Jota but it is intercepted. Both sides will be pleased with their showing, Benfica have carried a reasonable degree of threat through Nunez and Liverpool have controlled long spells. Alisson claimed a cross well but then Ramos blocked his throw out to win Benfica possession back high up the pitch, but they could not make Liverpool pay. Vertonghen then slashed a clearance straight to Jota, who hooked the ball back across the box and Firmino tapped in.

Liverpool reached the last four of the Champions League after an entertaining 3-3 draw with Benfica in the second leg of the quarter-final at Anfield.

Naby Keïta instigated the move with a piercing pass into the Benfica area towards Díaz. Vlachodimos got there first but the goalkeeper, impressive in the first leg, fumbled once again and forced Vertonghen into a desperate clearance that he sliced to the unmarked Jota. The Liverpool striker scuffed his shot across goal but Firmino was on hand to convert into an empty net. Liverpool should have restored their lead before the interval when a defensive error by Benfica allowed Firmino to bear down on goal with Díaz unmarked to his right. Díaz drew a fine save from Vlachodimos and teed up Firmino for a header that was deflected over by Vertonghen when another Tsimikas corner spread uncertainty in the Benfica area. With Mohamed Salah rested on the bench for the first time in a Champions League game this season Klopp tasked Luis Díaz with troubling Benfica from the right. A 12th European Cup/Champions League semi-final awaits Liverpool, who have equalled Manchester United’s record for an English club, and they remain in sight of a third Champions League final appearance in five seasons under Klopp. On the two previous occasions Liverpool defeated Benfica in the quarter-finals – in 1978 and 1984 – they went on to lift the trophy. Ibrahima Konaté and a brace from Roberto Firmino put Liverpool on a comfortable course for the last four before VAR intervened in the form of two late Benfica goals.

The Reds have already won the Carabao Cup this term and will battle it out with Manchester City for the Premier League title - they trail by just one point - ...

Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Ibrahima Konate seemingly sent Liverpool into the semi-finals of the Champions League when he opened the scoring at Anfield with another fine headed effort but there is life in Benfica yet. 51 mins: Henderson’s pass into the box takes a deflection and drops nicely for Diaz. He chips it over to Firmino who stuggles to bring it down as he darts in behind. Jan Vertonghen tries to clear it but scuffs the ball over to Diogo Jota. Jota snatches at a shot and catches it all wrong but somehow gifts the ball over to Roberto Firmino on the opposite side of the box who is left with a tap in. They’ve restored their three goal cushion and Jurgen Klopp decides to turn to the bench. 60 mins: Liverpool have a foot, an arm and a leg in the semi-finals now.

Liverpool fans have come up with a new song for their manager, Jurgen Klopp, and you can watch them sing it and get the lyrics here.

We'll win the Premier League, you know. We'll win the Premier League, you know. “I'm so glad he delivered what he said.

On an entertaining night of Champions League action, Liverpool drew 3-3 against a resolute Benfica after two goals from Roberto Firmino and one from ...

Only thing I would say is that if Atletico score City will have to find another gear (which they may well do, but a bit more cutting edge would help)— Sam Lee (@SamLee) April 13, 2022 •2h ago •2h ago •2h ago •2h ago •2h ago "We are rotating the squad so everyone feel involved. "Obviously we are still fighting for three competitions so everyone is very excited. We knew this wasn't an easy place to come - it's my first time. "It's so easy to get drawn into stuff like that. "We cannot expect that everything will be marvelous every game. For our club, it is an incredible achievement.

Jurgen Klopp will have much to ponder after his heavily rotated side made heavy work against Benfica at Anfield.

There was, however, too little time for Benfica. There will be plenty of time before the semi-final for Klopp to digest the lessons of this match. Yaremchuk is Ukrainian, who played for Dynamo Kyiv, while at Charlton Gomez was coached by Sergei Baltacha, a citizen of Mariupol, the Stalingrad of our times. The ball skimmed the top of Otamendi’s head and Firmino tapped in. Vlachodimos could only parry a shot, the ball was scooped back into the mix by Jota and Firmino finished things off for his first Champions League goal in two years. However, VAR ruled that the ball had come off James Milner’s boot. Even against a Liverpool side that had made seven changes from the team that had just failed to inflict a decisive blow in Sunday’s “ title decider”, everything had to fall perfectly for Benfica and in the 21st minute things fell very badly indeed.

Liverpool and Manchester City are both into the semi-finals of the Champions League and here are the two sides next fixtures.

Then, if Liverpool get past Villarreal in the semi-final, they face the prospect of a Champions League final next month. The Reds already have the Carabao Cup in their possession after lifting the trophy at the end of February. The Reds claimed a 6-4 aggregate win over Benfica in their Champions League quarter-final tie, with the second leg at Anfield finishing 3-3 on the night.

Liverpool talking point from Ian Doyle after the 3-3 draw against Benfica in the Champions League at Anfield.

As well as providing a different bow to the Reds’ attack, the contribution of Diaz has allowed Klopp to give Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah a much-needed rest – both on from the bench here – and rotate Diogo Jota and Firmino, the benefit of the latter’s improved sharpness evident with a well-taken second-half brace to cap a similarly impressive performance. From the first whistle, Diaz – showing his versatility by starring on the right flank – demonstrated his intent, regularly running at the Benfica defence and giving left-back Alejandro Grimaldo a torrid time first half. And having irked the opposing fans in Lisbon last week in the first leg of this Champions League quarter-final – his goal prompting a barrage of flagpoles in his direction – the Colombian was at it again.

Liverpool host Benfica this evening as the Reds look to confirm their place in the Champions League semi-finals.Jurgen Klopp's side beat Benfica 3-1.

Atletico Madrid 0 Man City 0 (0-1) Atletico Madrid 0 Man City 0 (0-1) Atletico Madrid 0 Man City 0 (0-1) Atletico Madrid 0 Man City 0 (0-1) A horrible man. A hair pull.

Get a report of the Liverpool vs. Benfica 2021-22 UEFA Champions League, Quarterfinals football match.

"All Benfica fans must be proud of this campaign. We are through and that's all that matters and I'm really happy." The Lisbon side exited the competition with the applause of their own fans -- and Liverpool's -- ringing in their ears after delivering a performance full of belief and commitment until the end.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been reacting to his side's 3-3 Champions League draw with Benfica.

So yeah, that was it," he added when asked about the mix up. "We wanted to give it everything. "I think we'd want to do better overall," he told BT Sport post-match.

Two Roberto Firmino goals set Liverpool on course for the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, but the Reds were made to work to the end as Benfica pulled two ...

Darwin Núñez, Benfica forward: "Benfica proved that we are great; we left everything out on the pitch. Liverpool will face Villarreal in the semi-finals. Benfica were much more competitive against an admittedly weakened Liverpool line-up, giving the home side a few things to think about, but ultimately the English side were just a class above. The Reds confirmed their last-four spot with relative ease on a night when Jürgen Klopp was able to rest several first-team regulars. "The defender had a great game. Liverpool had already done the hard work, though.

Get a report of the Liverpool vs. Benfica 2021-22 UEFA Champions League, Quarterfinals football match.

"All Benfica fans must be proud of this campaign. We are through and that's all that matters and I'm really happy." The Lisbon side exited the competition with the applause of their own fans -- and Liverpool's -- ringing in their ears after delivering a performance full of belief and commitment until the end.

Jurgen Klopp has been reacting to Liverpool's 3-3 Champions League with Benfica at Anfield.

The majority of times they did really well and I liked it, I liked it a lot. It should not be as easy as it was tonight. “The next problem we had is we were 3-1 up, on aggregate 6-2. “(Benfica were) Great, really strong, really good but it was about us in this moment as well. And while the German was pleased to reach the semi-finals, he was surprised by Benfica’s comeback and admitted the number of changes he made affected his side. Jurgen Klopp took responsibility for Liverpool conceding three goals against Benfica as the Reds were held to a 3-3 draw, but still managed to progress to the Champions League semi-finals.

Liverpool analysis - Ian Doyle with three key talking points after the 3-3 draw in the Champions League against Benfica.

That was the reward for the hard work done in Lisbon last week, making this arguably the last time Klopp could heavily alter his line-up in the closing weeks. Finding the right combination for City on Saturday remains a headache for Klopp. Even the most minor miscommunication can make a difference. Memories of that Basel beating in 2016 remain raw, an occasion that underlined to Klopp there could be no shortcuts in his attempt to guide Liverpool back to the summit in England and Europe. The Reds last came up against Villarreal, their opponents in the Champions League semi-final in a fortnight, six years ago when they scrapped for a place in the Europa League final. Rather than disrespect Benfica, this was squad management for a team that continues to harbour hopes of an unprecedented quadruple and was coming into the tie off the back of Sunday’s draining draw at Manchester City.

Liverpool 3-3 Benfica (6-4 agg): Firmino's double and Ibrahima Konate's goal were enough to set up a semi-final against Villarreal after an entertaining ...

Otamendi, who had neglected to jump for the first goal, instead leapt and headed thin air this time. Diogo Goncalves’ pass took a touch off James Milner on its way to Goncalo Ramos. His finish was precise and the goal survived a VAR check. A 3-3 scoreline completed a 6-4 aggregate triumph and his quest for the quadruple continues. Now he has two goals, each against Benfica. He rose above a different generation of centre-back, Nicolas Otamendi and Jan Vertonghen, to meet Tsimikas’ corner with an emphatic header for a goal that stemmed from two defenders who are not in strongest side. Liverpool did it with a weakened side, setting up a semi-final date with Villarreal and eliminating Benfica while diverting their attentions to Manchester City. They will be favourites to reach a third Champions League final in five seasons.

Roberto Firmino became only the fourth player in history to score 20+ goals in the Champions League for Liverpool, who beat Benfica 6-4 on aggregate.

Liverpool will play Villarreal for a place in the final. Firmino became only the fourth player in history to score 20+ goals in the Champions League for Liverpool, who beat Benfica 6-4 on aggregate after a 3-3 draw in Wednesday's quarter-final second leg at Anfield. But he improved his already excellent Champions League goals record as Liverpool booked their place in the semi-finals.

Liverpool's second-leg draw ensured an aggregate win over Benfica while Manchester City edge out Atletico Madrid.

Brazilian Firmino scored twice after the break as Liverpool looked to make sure of a place in the semi-finals for the third time in five seasons. Juergen Klopp’s side had been 3-1 up on the night before Benfica struck twice late in the game on Wednesday to create a jittery finale to what had appeared to be a comfortable passage. Liverpool set up a Champions League semi-final with Spain’s Villarreal after Roberto Firmino scored twice in a 3-3 second-leg draw with Benfica to ensure a 6-4 aggregate win.

Jürgen Klopp said he would never take reaching the Champions League semi-finals for granted after a 3-3 draw with Benfica put Liverpool in the last four.

It is unbelievable what he is doing.” “It was not exactly what we wanted but it is absolutely not important because if we played the best game of the season it wouldn’t have made it more likely to get to the final,” he said. They have probably the most successful cup competition manager in world football so he knows what he is doing.

The club confirmed the tragic news in a statement this morning.

The club tweeted: "It is with great regret that we can confirm that a supporter who was taken ill ahead of last night’s fixture against Benfica has sadly passed away. The ECHO understands the man fell ill just 20 minutes before kick-off and was taken to hospital. Emergency services rushed to the man's aid on Wednesday as stewards and fellow supporters desperately tried to help him.

It means Liverpool will now battle Villarreal for a place in the final after the Spanish side overcame Bayern Munich earlier this week. An 88th minute strike ...

And the Liverpool boss will get another opportunity to test himself against Pep Guardiola this weekend, when the two sides meet once again, this time in an FA Cup semi-final. It is a prediction that has also played out in reality so far this term, with both league fixtures involving the pair ending 2-2. It means Liverpool will now battle Villarreal for a place in the final after the Spanish side overcame Bayern Munich earlier this week.

Your Liverpool evening digest as Mohamad Salah breaks his silence on his happiness at Anfield and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says the forward ...

Read the full story here. The former Chelsea shotstopper made the move from the Premier League to Spain back in 2018, having already spent time with Madrid's rivals Atletico during a loan spell. Read the full story here.

Liverpool will face Villarreal in the Champions League semi-finals after progressing past Benfica with a 6-4 aggregate triumph at Anfield on Wednesday.

Danjuma's stock would skyrocket higher than ever if he were to play a role in dumping the Premier League giants out of the competition. The Dutchman has been directly involved in more goals than any other Villarreal player in all competitions this season, scoring 14 times and registering five assists. An entertaining 3-3 draw on Merseyside was enough for Liverpool to triumph over Benfica in the quarter-finals.

Ahead of Liverpool's UEFA Champions League semi-final against Villarreal, we revisit their previous European semi which came back in 2016.

Firmino and Milner played in both legs of Liverpool's quarter-final win over Benfica earlier this month. From Liverpool - Roberto Firmino and James Milner Six-time European champions Liverpool and reigning Europa League winners Villarreal have met in a semi-final once before.

Liverpool have taken a step nearer a third Champions League final under Jurgen Klopp by seeing off the threat of Benfica on Wednesday.

Klopp instantly put his hands in the air by way of apology while Nunez just got on with matters and took the resultant throw. With Jordan Henderson's number having been raised, the skipper made a point of going to James Milner and passing on the armband before departing. Ibrahima Konate scored once and Roberto Firmino twice as the Reds fought out a 3-3 draw in their quarter-final second leg to win 6-4 on aggregate.