Champions League: Liverpool Survive Collapse vs Benfica To Reach Semi-Finals

Jurgen Klopp admitted he was relieved to see Liverpool book a Champions League semi-final showdown against Villarreal as the quadruple chasers survived a late collapse in Wednesday's 3-3 draw against Benfica. Klopp's side already had one foot in the last four after winning 3-1 in the quarter-final first leg in Lisbon. They were on cruise control for long spells in the second leg at Anfield, but had to hold their nerve before advancing 6-4 on aggregate after an uncharacteristic meltdown in the closing stages.

Ibrahima Konate put Liverpool ahead before Goncalo Ramos equalised late in the first half.

When Roberto Firmino netted twice after the interval, the tie looked all but over.

However, Roman Yaremchuk and Darwin Nunez struck for Benfica to briefly give the visitors hope of an astonishing escape act, before Liverpool finally restored order.

"When I'm not over the moon about qualifying for the Champions League semi-final, something is really wrong and maybe I should quit!" Klopp said.

"The situation was the defence had never played together and it was about details, staying 100 percent concentrated.

"We were 6-2 up on aggregate. The players are human beings, they were like 'Ok job done'. But Benfica kept fighting and I respect that.

"It was not exactly what we wanted but it is absolutely not important. We are through and that's all that matters. I'm really happy."

The Reds will face Spanish side Villarreal in the semi-finals as they look to reach their 10th Champions League final and claim a seventh title in the competition.

Despite Villarreal's impressive wins over Bayern Munich and Juventus in the last two rounds, Liverpool will be firm favourites to make a third Champions League final in the last five seasons.

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