Benfica out of Champions League after enthralling 3-3 draw at Anfield

Benfica’s Champions League adventue came to an expected end at the quarter final stage - but supporters can hold their heads up high following an exciting 3-3 draw away to heavy favourites Liverpool.

The result ensured that Benfica lost 6-4 on aggregate, reflecting a determined and defiant performance from the Lisbon club despite being significant underdogs. Supporters were keen to show their delight with the team’s effort, staying in the stadium to cheer on their team well after full time - while they also drowned out the chants of the legendary Liverpool home crowd at several moments during the game too.

Benfica knew they needed a near miracle after losing 1-3 at the Luz, and though there were encouraging signs early on at Anfield, it was Liverpool who broke the deadlock, Konate rising above the defenders to header home from a corner in a very similar manner to how he scored the opening goal in the reverse fixture just a week earlier.

Benfica continued to toil though, and thought they had re-established parity on the night through a delightful Darwin Nunez chip, but he mis-timed his run and was offside when the pass into him was played.

The enthusiastic away fans didn’t have to wait too long to see their side legally level proceedings though, Goncalo Ramos netting his first ever Champions League goal with a stunning strike in off the near post, and Benfica went into half time level, still hanging on in the tie with their dream of pulling off one of the greatest of Champions League shocks still within the realms of possibility.

However, despite making an attacking change by bringing on Yaremchuk for Diogo Goncalves at the break, it was Liverpool who scored the first goal of the second half, Vlachodimos first failing to collect a loose ball into the box before Vertonghen’s panicked clearance was directed straight to Diogo Jota on the other side of the box, who slid in Firmino for Liverpool’s second of the game, putting the tie virtually beyond Benfica’s reach.

And Liverpool extended their lead further only moments later, some more poor defending, this time from an in-swinging freekick, again allowing Firmino to slot into the back of the net.

Benfica, however, were to still mount an impressive, and unexpected, comeback though, first bringing the game back to 3-2 in the 73rd minute after Yaremchuk rounded the goalkeeper. He was initially flagged for offside, but VAR correctly allowed the goal to stand.

And it was to be slightly more than a mere consolation, with Benfica getting the scoreline back level with just under 10 minutes remaining through the heavily scouted Darwin Nunez. Once again the linesman determined there was an offside, this time in the build-up, but the goal was eventually given upon review, allowing away supporters to once again dream of the most improbable of comebacks.

Benfica were ultimately unable to win on aggregate, but did think they at least won the match right at the death when Nunez bundled the ball in deep into stoppage time - but for the fourth time on the night, a Benfica goal was judged to be offside, this time correctly so, and Benfica had to settle for a valiant point away to Jurgen Klopp’s much admired team.

The result ends Portuguese interest in the Champions League - with SC Braga the final Portuguese side remaining in European competition heading into a Europa League second leg clash with Rangers.

James Milner. Photo by: Werner100359. License link. More info.