Liverpool remains on course for a historic quadruple after a thrilling draw with Benfica secured a two-legged Champions League semi-final against Spanish side Villarreal. They have already set their ball rolling from the first leg after beating the Portuguese side 3-1 in Lisbon, Liverpool extended their advantage with Ibrahima Konate’s powerful 21st-minute header from a Kostas Tsimikas corner.
The visitors, Benfica equalized through Goncalo Ramos’ excellent turn and finish, before Roberto Firmino scored twice to ensure his side remain in the course. The Brazilian scored two second-half goals – a tap-in followed by a volley – in front of the Kop looked to have put the Reds in control. But after Roman Yaremchuk broke through to beat Alisson and make it 3-2 on the night, Darwin Nunez scored a late equalizer and ended the game 3-3.
Nunez was then denied by Alisson as Benfica finished strongly but Liverpool held out to advance 6-4 on aggregate. They will now host Spanish side Villarreal, the club they beat in the semi-finals of the Europa League in 2016 on 27 April before traveling to Spain for the second leg on 4 May.