Benfica 1 Liverpool 3 - Liverpool beat Benfica to take Champions League lead into quarter-final second leg

Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz were on target as Liverpool won 3-1 at Benfica to take a firm grip of their Champions League quarter final tie. The Merseysiders are heading into a crucial period in their quest for an unprecedented quadruple and will now be confident of reaching the last four of Europe’s elite competition after a dominant display secured a first-leg advantage.

Ad/> Jurgen Klopp’s side deservedly took the lead on 17 minutes when Ibrahima Konate headed home his first goal for the club from Andy Robertson’s corner. Premier League'That's all I need' — Klopp content with Salah's contract talks with LiverpoolYESTERDAY AT 16:15 Mohamed Salah had chances to add to the tally before Mane polished off a sublime, incisive move involving Trent Alexander Arnold and Luis Diaz.

Liverpool could easily have been out of sight by the interval but were made to pay for failing to make more of their openings when Darwin Nunez punished a Konate error with a clinical finish on 49 minutes. Champions League group standings Champions League fixtures / results Champions League top scorers The hosts were much improved throughout the second half with Nunez offering their greatest hope of rescuing a draw.

The visitors failed to find their best form in the latter stages but added a third through Diaz three minutes from time to ensure they are in control heading into the second leg at Anfield on April 13. Liverpool will now switch focus to Sunday’s huge top of the table Premier League clash at Manchester City.

Benfica host relegation-threatened Belenenses in the Primeira Liga on Saturday. More to follow Champions League‘He’ll always try and rocket it!’ – Benfica dangerman Nunez, the forward everyone wantsYESTERDAY AT 11:16 Premier League'This