Liverpool to face Villarreal in semi-final after thrilling draw with Benfica

Benfica salvaged pride at Anfield but Liverpool preserved their dreams of a seventh European crown and unprecedented quadruple. Jürgen Klopp’s side advanced into the Champions League semi-finals, where they will meet Villarreal, on a fluctuating night when VAR had a hand in all three Benfica goals and Liverpool were made to fight to the finish.

Ibrahima Konaté and a brace from Roberto Firmino put Liverpool on a comfortable course for the last four before VAR intervened in the form of two late Benfica goals. They were ultimately no more than consolations. A 12th European Cup/Champions League semi-final awaits Liverpool, who have equalled Manchester United’s record for an English club, and they remain in sight of a third Champions League final appearance in five seasons under Klopp. On the two previous occasions Liverpool defeated Benfica in the quarter-finals – in 1978 and 1984 – they went on to lift the trophy.

Klopp made an eyebrow-raising seven changes from the team that started Sunday’s draw at Manchester City, defending his selection on the basis Liverpool needed the “freshest legs” to reach the semi-finals. Their schedule necessitates rotation, with City looming again in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday, but there was no doubt the team sheet will have raised Benfica’s hopes before kick-off. They appeared slender hopes, in truth, following last week’s 3-1 defeat in Lisbon. This was Liverpool’s 200th European game at Anfield. Only seven of the previous 199 had ended in a loss of two goals or more.

There was a minute’s silence before the game in memory of the 97 Liverpool fans who were unlawfully killed at Hillsborough 33 years ago tomorrowthis Friday. It would be nice to report that it was impeccably observed but a