Liverpool have one foot in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League as they extended their run to 17 wins in their last 18 matches, including nine victories out of nine away from home.
And it was former Porto man Luis Diaz who compounded the damage, slotting home late on to restore the Reds’ two-goal advantage to take back to Anfield.
Ibrahim Konate opened the scoring with Sadio Mane adding a second before half-time. Benfica’s Darwin Nunez got one back early in the second period, with Konate turning villain, allowing the ball to bounce past his legs and land at the feet of the opposition striker.
That Nunez goal, however, made for a much more even spell of play, with excellent chances at both ends before Diaz’s late strike wrapped up the match.
Liverpool’s quest for a historic quadruple continues. The only downside was a late injury to Fabinho, who received lengthy treatment on the pitch following a clash of heads.
Benfica vs. Liverpool final score
1H 2H Final
Benfica 0 1 1
Liverpool 2 1 3
Goals:
Benfica – Nunez – 49 mins
Liverpool – Konate (Robertson) – 17 mins; Mane (Diaz) – 34 mins; Diaz (Keita) – 87 mins