Benfica vs Liverpool LIVE: Champions League result, final score and reaction tonight

Follow all the action as Benfica host Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Jurgen Klopp has played down the “unrealistic” prospect of an unprecedented quadruple this season, however, his Liverpool side remain in firm contention on three fronts, having already lifted the League Cup in February. A 2-0 win at the weekend over Watford was not quite as comfortable as Klopp would have liked, but victory ensured that the Reds remain just one point adrift of Manchester City in the title race, with the two sides set to meet at the Etihad on Sunday for what could well be a season-deciding match.

Liverpool will be strong favourites against Benfica, who are currently only third in the Primeira Liga. They did edge out Barcelona to reach the knockout stages, though, before defeating Ajax over two legs in the round of 16. Their greatest threat comes in the form of striker Darwin Nunez, who is expected to be one of the most sought-after names in the summer transfer window.

Follow all the action live below:

Benfica vs Liverpool

• 49’: Nunez pounces on Konate error

• 34’: Diaz doubles lead on counter-attack

• 17’: Konate header opens scoring from corner

• Benfica XI: Vlachodimos, Gilberto,Otamendi, Vertonghen, Grimaldo, Rafa Silva, Weigl, Everton, Taarabt, Goncalo Ramos, Nunez

• Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara, Keita, Salah, Mane, Diaz

SL Benfica 1 - 2 Liverpool FC

Benfica 1 - 2 Liverpool

21:35 , Michael Jones

75 mins: Naby Keita drifts out to the left wing which allows Robertson to ease into space on the inside left channel. He receives the ball and attempts to thread it through to Luis Diaz but he’s strayed offside and doesn’t chase down the pass which rolls out for a goal kick.

Benfica 1 - 2 Liverpool

21:32 , Michael Jones

72 mins: Liverpool are trying to slow the game down. The first 20 minutes after the second half restart were played at a lightning pace with Benfica flinging men forward and trying to equalise.

Gilberto is fouled by the combination of Luis Diaz and Fabinho who both closed him down and he brings the ball into the visitor’s half.

Benfica 1 - 2 Liverpool

21:27 , Michael Jones

69 mins: Penalty shout! Liverpool’s high line is beaten with a simple pass through to Darwin Nunez. He keeps himself onside and sprints into the left side of the box. Virgil van Dijk manages to get back and sticks out an arm to stop Nunez checking inside. The Benfica striker feels the contact and goes to ground in a heap hoping for a penalty but the referee lets play go on.

Benfica 1 - 2 Liverpool

21:24 , Michael Jones

66 mins: Nearly! Another lovely diagonal ball from Alexander-Arnold drops beautifully for Andy Robertson’s overlapping run into the left side of the penalty area. He has a couple of options and decides to try and set up Firmino in the six-yard but his pass is blocked and cleared.

Benfica 1 - 2 Liverpool

21:20 , Michael Jones

63 mins: Triple change for Liverpool. Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Thiago Alcantara are hooked with Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Jordan Henderson brought on.

Jurgen Klopp willl be hoping those changes bring a degree of control for Liverpool.

Benfica 1 - 2 Liverpool

21:19 , Michael Jones

60 mins: Save! Liverpool are all over the place as Benfica put together another decent attack. Ramos brings it down the left side and squares the ball into Everton. He brings the ball into the box and shoots but the effort comes too close to Alisson who drops low to his right and keeps it out!

Benfica 1 - 2 Liverpool

21:16 , Michael Jones

58 mins: Thiago gives the ball away with a sloppy pass and then gets booked for hacking down Rafa Silva in an attempt to win it back. The wheels are starting to come for Liverpool here, they need to compose themselves.

Benfica 1 - 2 Liverpool

21:15 , Michael Jones

55 mins: There’s a lot of belief from the Benfica fans now. The home side have come out from the second half with a bit of spirit and fight.

It’s been the perfect start for them. So much so that Jurgen Klopp is preparing some changes on the sidelines.

Benfica 1 - 2 Liverpool

21:13 , Michael Jones

52 mins: There are loud cheers of encouragement for Benfica whenever they come forward despite Liverpool regaining control of possession.

Nunez is almost played into the area again but Alisson is out quickly this time to beat him to the ball.

GOAL! Benfica 1 - 2 Liverpool (Nunez, 49’)⚽️

21:09 , Michael Jones

49 mins: Game on! It’s terrible mistake from Ibrahima Konate who completely misses the ball following Rafa Silva’s cross. The cross comes in from the right side and Konate should clear it. Instead he attempts to control the ball but it rolls under his foot and into the path of Darwin Nunez. He’s got time to stop the ball and then pick his spot with a fine finish to bring Benfica back into this game.

Benfica 0 - 2 Liverpool

21:05 , Michael Jones

48 mins: Liverpool start the second half on the front foot with Luis Diaz driving the ball down the left wing. He takes on Gilberto, shimmies around the defender and cuts the ball back into the box from the byline but Ramos is back there to help out and he clears the Benfica lines.

Second half: Benfica 0 - 2 Liverpool

21:03 , Michael Jones

Kick off: Benfica get the game back underway. Can the home side get themselves back into the game of will Liverpool run away with it ahead of the second leg at Anfield?

Benfica 0 - 2 Liverpool

21:02 , Michael Jones

Following Ibrahima Konate’s goal - his first in the Champions League - Liverpool have had 20 different goalscorers in all competitions this season, more than any other Premier League side.

Benfica 0 - 2 Liverpool

20:58 , Michael Jones

This is the 11th meeting between Liverpool and Benfica in European competition - no side have the Reds have faced more in Europe than the Portuguese giants (also 11 v Chelsea).

Benfica 0 - 2 Liverpool

20:54 , Michael Jones

It was a dominant first half for Liverpool who were rewarded with goals from Ibrahima Konate and Sadio Mane. More of the same in the second half?

Half-time: Benfica 0 - 2 Liverpool

20:50 , Michael Jones

45 mins: No added minutes to play and the first half ends with Liverpool in control. Jurgen Klopp will be pleased with what he’s seen so far but will want a couple more goals and a clean sheet to round off a what would be a perfect night for Liverpool.

Benfica 0 - 2 Liverpool

20:48 , Michael Jones

44 mins: Chances! Another brilliant pass from Alexander-Arnold sees Salah sprinting into the right side of the box. He’s moving quickly and prods a shot at goal onlf to be denied by Vlachodimos!

Benfica then break with a pass to Ramos who shrugs away Van Dijk on his way into the Liverpool area before belting is own effort high and wide.

Benfica 0 - 2 Liverpool

20:46 , Michael Jones

40 mins: It’s a toss up between Naby Keita and Luis Diaz as to who wants to score more tonight.

Diaz comes close as the former Porto forward - who has been booed all night so far whenever he’s touched the ball - fizzes a decent effort from outside the box just wide of the left hand post.

Benfica 0 - 2 Liverpool

20:40 , Michael Jones

37 mins: Everton tries to get one back for Benfica by shuffling inside from the left wing and drilling a right-footed shot at goal from outside the box. He strikes it well but he’s too far out to really challenge Alisson who catches the ball and clings on with seeming ease.

GOAL! Benfica 0 - 2 Liverpool (Mane, 34’)⚽️

20:37 , Michael Jones

34 mins: Ooof! Great goal. Adel Taarabt gives the ball away in the middle of the pitch and Trent Alexander-Arnold floats a diagonal pass over to the left side of the box. Luis Diaz has made a great counter-attacking run in behind the defence and meets the dropping ball with a header across the penalty area to Sadio Mane who is left with the easiest of tap ins to double Liverpool’s lead.

Benfica 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:36 , Michael Jones

32 mins: Benfica are having a bit of a resurgence here. They win a corner and should do better from it. The delivery is very good, right into the six-yard area and a comfortable height. Nicolas Otamendi manages to squeeze in front of Sadio Mane but he misses his attempted header and Alisson watches the ball bounces out of play.

Benfica 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:32 , Michael Jones

29 mins: Now then. Ramos gets the ball on the left side and gets fouled by Fabinho after some fancy footwork shifts the ball away from the Liverpool midfielder. Fabinho escapes a booking but Benfica have the chance to whip the ball into the box.

Alejandro Grimaldo takes the free kick but a confident Alisson comes flying off his line and plucks it out of the air.

Benfica 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:30 , Michael Jones

26 mins: Nunez tries to get Benfica forward with a counter-attack and slides a pass to Goncalo Ramos. He feeds it inside but Thiago intercepts and slots it over to Robertson on the left wing. His first cross gets blocked but the ball bounces kindly for the left-back and he has another go. He lifts it towards the back post where Salah is free but the ball just drops over the top of his head and rolls to safety for the home side.

Benfica 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:28 , Michael Jones

23 mins: Save! Another great move from Liverpool - kickstarted in midfield through Fabinho and Thiago - almost gives them a second. Thiago feeds the ball up to Keita after linking up with Fabinho to push the visitors into Benfica’s half. Keita then slots a perfect through ball into the box as Diaz makes a diagonal run inside from the left. He collects the ball and tries to chip it over the goalkeeper but Vlachodimos gets a hand to it and somehow keeps it out!

Benfica 0 - 1 Liverpool

20:23 , Michael Jones

20 mins: Chance! Brilliant hold-up play from Sadio Mane who holds off the Benfica centre-backs and carries the ball to the byline. He lifts it back into the middle of the box where Naby Keita is clear. He’s got a free header but takes his eyes off the ball and miscues the effort, only managing to knock is softly into the ground allowing Benfica to clear their lines.

GOAL! Benfica 0 - 1 Liverpool (Konate, 17’)⚽️

20:19 , Michael Jones

17 mins: Not long at all it seems! The visitors win a corner that Andy Robertson swings into the box from the left-hand corner. Ibrahima Konate makes a free run and leaps in front of Everton to win the ball in the air. He gets a good chunk of the ball and nods his headed effort into the ground where it bounces up and finishes in the far corner!

Benfica 0 - 0 Liverpool

20:18 , Michael Jones

16 mins: Naby Keita has another shot blocked with Jan Vertonghen getting in his way this time. The ball bounces out to Thiago Alcantara who belts one from range and puts it over the crossbar. How long can Benfica keep Liverpool out under this pressure?

Benfica 0 - 0 Liverpool

20:15 , Michael Jones

14 mins: Save! Liverpool are stepping it up now. Salah is played into space on the right wing and decides to cut inside. He lays the ball off to Naby Keita in the box and the midfielder shoots forcing a decent save out of Vlachodimos. The ball rebounds out to Alexander-Arnold who attempts to pick out Sadio Mane at the far post but his pass doesn’t get past the goalkeeper who does well to cling onto it.

Benfica 0 - 0 Liverpool

20:13 , Michael Jones

12 mins: Liverpool win the first corner of the game after a toe-poked effort from Salah hits the goalkeeper and deflects wide of the right-hand past. Trent Alexander-Arnold swings the set piece into the middle - aiming for Virgil van Dijk - but Benfica deal with it well and complete the clearance without too much trouble.

Benfica 0 - 0 Liverpool

20:11 , Michael Jones

9 mins: Nearly! A breezy counter-attack from Liverpool sees Luis Diaz carry the ball down the left side as Sadio Mane and Mo Salah both make runs into the penalty area. Diaz sends it across Mane and Salah sticks out a leg to reach the pass. He gets a foot to the ball but can’t control it and Vlachodimos is able to scoop it up as it rolls away from the Liverpool striker.

Benfica 0 - 0 Liverpool

20:09 , Michael Jones

6 mins: Close! That’s a little sloppy from Liverpool. Darwin Nunez is given the ball on the right side and decides to take on Andy Robertson. The left-back lunges into the tackle as Nunez dinks the ball past him and sprints into space to the right side of the box. He sends a quick, hopeful cross into the middle and Trent Alexander-Arnold delays his clearance on is almost charged down by Everton. Instead the ball hits the Benfica player and heads out for a goal kick.

Benfica 0 - 0 Liverpool

20:06 , Michael Jones

3 mins: Liverpool’s Luis Diaz is getting booed from the home fans whenever the ball comes over to him on the left wing. Diaz used to play for Benfica’s domestic rivals Porto before moving to Anfield in January.

Rafa Silva receives the ball on Benfica’s right side. He shifts it up towards the box and drives forward. Ibrahima Konate spots the danger and powerfully shoulders him off the ball to win it back for the visitors.

Kick off: Benfica 0 - 0 Liverpool

20:04 , Michael Jones

Liverpool have won all four of their away games in the Champions League this season and another win tonight would be a club record for consecutive away victories in the competition.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are playing in their away kit tonight as they get the match underway. It comes to Virgil van Dijk who boots a long diagonal up the pitch for Mo Salah but gets the pass slightly wrong and it bounces into the box and safely through to Odisseas Vlachodimos in Benfica’s goal.

Benfica vs Liverpool

19:57 , Michael Jones

The teams head out onto the pitch at the Estadio da Luz, can Liverpool earn themselves a win this evening and bring some momentum into their Premier League clash with Manchester City at the weekend?

Benfica vs Liverpool

19:50 , Michael Jones

Jurgen Klopp on his team selection: “It is quarter final of the Champions League and we have to prepare for it with all we have.

“This is a big chance for Benfica as well, a big challenge yes but a big chance as well so I am not surprised they will give it a proper try.

“We have not thought for one second what result I want tonight. We just focus on the game, we respect them a lot.”

Benfica vs Liverpool

19:46 , Michael Jones

Sadio Mane is playing as the central striker for Liverpool tonight with Mo Salah on his right and Luis Diaz on his left. How vital will he be to Liverpool’s chances of winning?

Benfica vs Liverpool

19:43 , Michael Jones

Fabinho makes his 60th Champions League appearance this evening. He spoke about his role in Liverpool’s midfield saying:

“I like it because I get to be very involved in the match,” he said. “I receive the ball a lot and I’m involved in the creation process. It’s good because I always have the ball, and I’m always very involved in transition between defence and the attack.”

Benfica vs Liverpool

19:39 , Michael Jones

Mo Salah is ready to go for Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp has named a strong team for tonight’s Champions League quarter-final against Benfica. Can Salah get back on the scoresheet?

Diogo Jota growing into a world-class striker, claims Jurgen Klopp

19:36 , Michael Jones

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes Diogo Jota is becoming a world-class striker after the Portugal international reached 20 goals in a season for the first time.

Jota’s first-half goal in the 2-0 win over Watford was his 14th in 27 Premier League matches this season and set up a 10th successive top-flight win after Fabinho added a late penalty.

The 25-year-old’s overall strike-rate is 33 in 70 appearances since joining the club in September 2020 and he has proved to be an astute £43million addition to a forward line of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino which was already one of the best on the planet.

Diogo Jota growing into a world-class striker, claims Jurgen Klopp

Benfica vs Liverpool

19:33 , Michael Jones

At home against English visitors, Benfica’s record is seven wins, five draws and six defeats but the last five matches in Lisbon have yielded one win, two draws and two defeats, the most recent game a 0-1 loss to Manchester United in the 2017/18 Champions League group stage.

The Portuguese club’s record in two-legged ties against English opposition is five wins, eight losses with victories in two of the last three.

But, they have won just 11 of their 38 matches against English clubs (D7 L20), losing European finals to Manchester United (1968 European Cup, 1-4 aet) and Chelsea (2013 Europa League, 1-2).

19:30 , Michael Jones

Liverpool have won 10 of their last 13 Champions League matches away from Anfield - one draw, two defeats.

This is their third game against Portuguese opponents this season. The English club won 5-1 at Porto on Matchday 2 and secured a 2-0 Matchday 5 win at Anfield.

The Reds have the record five wins, three draws and four losses in Portugal; they have won the last three away games against Liga clubs, all at Porto, scoring 14 goals and conceding only one.

Liverpool have also won their last four games against Portuguese opponents, scoring 13 goals and conceding two, and are unbeaten in seven matches (W5 D2) since a 1-0 loss at Braga in the 2010/11 Europa League round of 16 (0-1 agg).

Jurgen Klopp content with Liverpool position ahead of crunch Man City showdown

19:27 , Michael Jones

Liverpool’s time at the top of the Premier League table was brief, but manager Jurgen Klopp insists they are in the position they wanted to be heading into next week’s pivotal clash with Manchester City.

A 2-0 win over Watford at Anfield in the lunchtime kick-off saw the Reds return to top spot for the first time since September to put the pressure on City, who responded with a straightforward victory at Burnley to re-establish their one-point cushion.

But, having been 14 points adrift of their title rivals in January, Klopp is more than happy with where his team are now.

Jurgen Klopp content with Liverpool position ahead of crunch Man City showdown

Benfica vs Liverpool

19:24 , Michael Jones

Defender, Virgil van Dijk, says that Liverpool will treat Benfica with the respect they deserve and points out that the Portuguese club are in the Champions League quarter-finals for a reason. Speaking in a pre-match press conference he said:

“Benfica are in the last eight. We can say one of the ‘easiest’ draws, but they are there for a reason. It’s going to be difficult. We have to show them the respect they deserve. You can make whatever you want out of this, but it’s going to be tough.”

Benfica vs Liverpool

19:21 , Michael Jones

Benfica coach, Nélson Veríssimo, says navigating the Champions League quarter-finals against Liverpool will be ‘tricky’ and knows that his team need to be at a high level to compete. He said:

“We have to recognise that Liverpool is a team with great collective and individual competence, with a great coach, and that will force us to be at a very high level in both games. It’s going to be a tricky tie but, as I said with Ajax, it’s going to be 50/50.”

Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool do not see quadruple as a realistic target

19:18 , Michael Jones

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has dismissed the idea that his team ever considered the quadruple as a realistic target.

The Merseyside outfit head into the final two months of the season having won the Carabao Cup and with the possibility of also claiming the Premier League title, FA Cup and Champions League.

But Klopp, who has seen his side lose just once in 20 matches in all competitions since the start of 2022, continues to play down a four-trophy campaign as a near-impossible feat.

Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool do not see quadruple as a realistic target

Benfica vs Liverpool

19:15 , Michael Jones

The Reds are featuring in the Champions League for the 14th time and this is the ninth season in which they have reached the quarter-finals.

Liverpool enjoyed a faultless record in this season’s group stage having won 2-1 against AC Milan on Matchday 6 to conclude their perfect Group B campaign. Liverpool had opened with a 3-2 win at home to Milan before beating Porto (5-1 a, 2-0 h) and Atlético de Madrid (3-2 a, 2-0 h).

The Merseyside club made it four away wins from four games with a 2-0 victory at Inter in the round of 16 first leg, going through despite a 1-0 loss at Anfield.

Benfica vs Liverpool

19:11 , Michael Jones

Benfica are yet to win a match in the Champions League quarter-finals - they’ve draw three and lost five of the eight games they’ve played.

The Eagles have also lost their last four European Cup quarter-final ties, and seven of the last nine.

The Lisbon side won two, drew two and lost two of their Group E games this season with both victories coming at home – 3-0 against Barcelona on Matchday 2 and, decisively, 2-0 against Dynamo Kyiv on Matchday 6 – while they shipped nine goals in losing both games against Bayern (0-4 h, 2-5 a).

Benfica vs Liverpool: Recent meetings

19:07 , Michael Jones

The most recent of the sides’ last ten meetings came in the 2009/10 Europa League quarter-finals, when Benfica came from behind to win 2-1 in the Lisbon first leg before Liverpool turned round the tie with a 4-1 victory at Anfield in which Fernando Torres scored twice. Óscar Cardozo was on target in both legs for the Portuguese side.

Benfica ended Liverpool’s reign as Champions League holders in the 2005/06 round of 16. Luisão, now a club director, scored the only goal of the first leg in Lisbon six minutes from time before Simão (36) and Fabrizio Miccoli (89) secured a 2-0 win on Merseyside.

The sides’ other three ties all came in the European Cup, and all in campaigns in which Liverpool went on to reach the final.

Jurgen Klopp ‘happy’ with Mohamed Salah contract situation at Liverpool

19:00 , Michael Jones

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says he is “happy” with Mohamed Salah’s contract situation.

It was reported at the weekend that the Egypt forward, currently on a deal running to 2023, was close to agreeing a new one that would keep him with Liverpool until the end of his career.

Klopp was asked about the contract situation at his press conference ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg trip to Benfica.

And he said: “I’m happy with it because there’s nothing new to say.

“It is just good. The decisive parties are talking to each other and that’s all I need.”

Jurgen Klopp ‘happy’ with Mohamed Salah contract situation at Liverpool

Benfica vs Liverpool: Team changes

18:56 , Michael Jones

Benfica make two changes to the team that lost 3-2 to Braga in the Primeira Liga last time out. Soualiho Meïté and Roman Yaremchuk are out with Adel Taarabt and Darwin Nunez brought in.

Jurgen Klopp meanwhile makes six changes to his Liverpool starting XI - from the team that face Watford at the weekend. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahim Konate slot into the back line with Naby Keita and Fabinho alongside Thiago Alcantara in midfield. Up top Mo Salah keeps his place but is joined by Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz.

Joel Matip, Joe Gomez, Jordan Henderson, Curtis Jones, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota all drop to the bench,

Benfica vs Liverpool: Line-ups

18:48 , Michael Jones

Benfica XI: Vlachodimos, Gilberto,Otamendi, Vertonghen, Grimaldo, Rafa Silva, Weigl, Everton, Taarabt, Goncalo Ramos, Nunez

Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara, Keita, Salah, Mane, Diaz

Benfica vs Liverpool

18:44 , Michael Jones

Jurgen Klopp says he has a full squad available for tonight’s match with midfielder Naby Keita returning, along with defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was an unused substitute in Saturday’s league win over Watford.

Both players have overcome injuries and will provide Klopp with some depth ahead of a difficult run of games.

Mohamed Salah wants to sign new Liverpool contract, says Egypt sports minister

18:39 , Michael Jones

Mohamed Salah plans to sign a new deal with Liverpool, according to Egypt sports minister Ashraf Sobhi.

The 29-year-old’s current contract expires at the end of the 2022/23 season and there has been much speculation surrounding his future at Anfield.

But Sobhi, who admits he tried to convince Salah to leave Merseyside, insists the player is now focused on committing his future to the Premier League club.

Sobhi told BBC Sport: “I have advised him to continue his journey at a club other than Liverpool, but his direction now is to renew his contract.”

Mohamed Salah wants to sign new Liverpool contract, says Egypt sports minister

Benfica vs Liverpool

18:36 , Michael Jones

Benfica midfielder, Adel Taarabt, believes his team can stand up to Liverpool across this two-legged Champions League quarter-final and says his team will play without ‘fear’.

“We have a chance as we’re in the quarter-finals.” he said. “Liverpool are a team we respect but we don’t fear them. We know the quality they have but we have quality as well. We have players in attack that can make a big difference.”

Benfica vs Liverpool

18:31 , Michael Jones

Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp, wants his team to be at the top of their game going into a run of fixtures that sees them alternate between facing Benfica in the Champions League with Manchester City in both the Premier League and FA Cup.

The results from these four games could determine Liverpool’s season but if they win them all that rare dream of winning all four available trophies this season gets one step closer.

"We need desire, mentality and excitement. You can’t buy that," said Klopp.

"We have played games before when we were 1-0 up and we were still running like mad. I want my players thinking in the right way.

"I don’t think about being better, I think about us being on top of our game. That’s the plan for all the games. You try to improve in general.

"We all know one failure, one little misstep, and at least one competition can be gone. That’s no problem for us, we’re just ready for the next challenge. We enjoy it. It is the situation we would have dreamed of."

Benfica vs Liverpool

18:27 , Michael Jones

Virgil van Dijk says that he and his Liverpool team want to make this season ‘unforgettable’ and that it "should not be taken for granted" what they have been achieved so far.

The Reds travel to Lisbon still in contention to win the quadruple this season having already won the Carabao Cup and sitting one point off Premier League leaders Manchester City, who they also take on in the FA Cup semi-finals.

"We just want to make this season an unforgettable one," said Van Dijk.

"If you said it at the start of the season that we would still be in all competitions at this stage, with a full squad, [we’d have taken it].

"We should just enjoy it, go to Lisbon and give it our all. If it’s not enough, we go again next season. The things that are going on at Liverpool should not be taken for granted."

Jurgen Klopp goes back to where it began to start defining period for Liverpool

18:23 , Michael Jones

Outside a Lisbon café about seven years ago, Jurgen Klopp’s phone rang and interrupted a family holiday. Normally he would have screened the call – “We were completely in a holiday mood,” the Liverpool manager remembered yesterday – but something told him that this was a conversation worth having.

Klopp was still enjoying an extended break following his departure from Borussia Dortmund at the time, but it was coming to the point where he would have to start seriously considering his next move.

“There were some rumours around, which we didn’t really follow, but with two sons they pick up pretty much everything. So, I knew from them that a couple of things could happen, and then we were sitting there and the phone rang. I didn’t take a lot of calls in this time, because with my family there why should I talk to anyone else?”

Jurgen Klopp goes back to where it began to start defining period for Liverpool

Benfica vs Liverpool

18:12 , Michael Jones

Welcomes to The Independent’s coverage of Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final first leg with Benfica. Jurgen Klopp’s men are still on for an unprecedented quadruple after defeating Inter Milan in the last-16.

The Reds won the first leg of that tie 2-0 away from home before losing the next game 1-0 at Anfield and progressing on aggregate. That defeat is Liverpool’s only loss in 17 matches since a 0-0 draw with Arsenal back in January and the Reds won all 16 of the other games in that run.

With a potential Premier League title decider against Manchester City on Sunday, Jurgen Klopp will have to decide whether to try and get this quarter-final decided tonight with a big win at the Estadoi da Luz or to rest key players for Sunday and bring them back in for the second leg next week.