Benfica’s UEFA Champions League campaign is over despite earning a thrilling 3-3 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.
Down 1-0 after Ibrahima Konaté converted a corner in the 21st minute, Gonçalo Ramos equalised before half time to give the Eagles a faint chance of a remarkable comeback.
It was the Roberto Firmino show in the second half however, the Brazilian scoring two goals in 10 minutes to make it 6-2 on aggregate and end the tie.
Roman Yaremchuk and Darwin Núñez scored late on to bring Benfica level on the night, but the 3-1 first leg defeat in Lisbon was their downfall as the Reds advanced to the semi-finals.
Liverpool on top
Jürgen Klopp rested a number of his first choice starters at Anfield but it didn’t take long for his side to get on top. Diogo Jota was frequently combining with Konstantinos Tsimikas and looking most likely to break the deadlock.
Benfica had the first chance of the game after executing a well worked fast break, Éverton's swinging shot sailing narrowly past the post.
It proved to be a rare foray forward for the visitors with Liverpool taking the lead in the 21st minute. In a moment of déjà vu from the first leg, Ibrahima Konaté rose highest and headed Tsimikas’ corner into the net.
Darwin Núñez showed his significant threat by scoring from an offside position, but once again it was false dawn as Liverpool resumed their dominance.
Luis Díaz tested Odysseas Vlachodimos from a tight angle and Jan Vertonghen showed incredible reflexes to divert Roberto Firmino’s effort over the bar.
Ramos out of nowhere
Just when it seemed that Liverpool would extend their lead and kill the tie, Benfica produced a goal out of nowhere.
Gonçalo Ramos was casually strolling behind the enemy lines, he picked up a loose clearance and held his nerve to beat Alisson in front of the Kop.
Liverpool should have restored their lead in the 38th minute. Firmino broke free and teed up Díaz who looked certain to score, but Alejandro Grimaldo recovered superbly and produced a crucial challenge.
Nélson Veríssimo made one change at half time with Diogo Gonçalves replaced by Roman Yaremchuk.
Firmino on fire
The Reds appeared intent on ending the tie as soon as possible after the break, and went a long way towards achieving their objective by scoring twice in 10 minutes.
The first goal came in the 55th minute after they took advantage of a succession of errors. Vlachodimos spilled an easy through ball and Vertonghen’s clearance fell straight to Diogo Jota, his cross converted by Roberto Firmino who was completely unmarked.
Klopp immediately made a triple substitution which highlighted the strength of his squad. Fabinho, Thiago and Mohamed Salah replaced Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Diogo Jota.
Firmino couldn’t direct a backheel on target but the Brazilian didn’t have to wait long to score his second goal. Ghosting behind Benfica’s non-existent defence, he volleyed Tsimikas’ free kick past Vlachodimos to make it 3-1.
Benfica back from the dead
Once again, just when it appeared the tie was settled, Benfica scored from out of nowhere to give themselves a chance.
Alejandro Grimaldo’s clever pass released Yaremchuk, the Ukranian striker beating the offside trap and producing a calm finish past Alisson.
Benfica had to throw players forward in an attempt to score three unanswered goals, and in the 82nd minute they got another goal back.
Julian Weigl’s ball over Lierpool's defence found João Mário, his loose touch picked up by Darwin Núñez who scored to silence a nervous home crowd.
Núñez has another chance not long after, producing a smart volley which forced a save from Alisson, but it was too little too late, the task too big to overcome as Liverpool advanced the semi-finals.
Analysis
It's been a miserable domestic season for Benfica supporters, but the performances against Ajax and the result at Anfield should provide a glimmer of optimism in the offseason.
It was always going to be a significant challenge against Liverpool and the gulf in class was evident. The manner in which they conceded against the Reds was disappointing, they clearly failed to learn from their mistakes in the first leg and gifted Liverpool three goals at Anfield.
Nélson Veríssimo has had a thankless task since replacing Jorge Jesus. Guiding the Eagles to the Champions League quarter-finals was a significant achievement considering the ever increasing gap in finances between the top clubs in Portugal and the top clubs in Europe.
