Luis Díaz returns to Portugal to haunt Benfica and seal Liverpool’s first-leg win

Andy Robertson glared at the Benfica fans who pelted him with flag poles as he waited to take a stoppage time corner, but Liverpool had already served out punishment. Jürgen Klopp’s side are firmly on course for the Champions League semi-finals following a commanding win in Lisbon.

There were unforeseen nerves when Darwin Nunez handed Benfica a lifeline early in the second half but Luis Díaz’s late finish, on top of first half goals from Ibrahima Konaté and Sadio Mané, reflected the visitors superiority on the night.

Liverpool were a model of composure from the first whistle, with neither the raucous atmosphere inside Estádio da Luz nor six changes from the team that beat Watford in the Premier League on Saturday able to disturb their rhythm. Such is the strength at Klopp’s disposal as they enter a defining phase of the campaign. His team had to deal with moments of individual menace from Benfica’s forwards but otherwise they were in almost complete control throughout the first half; quicker and stronger in the challenge, better structured and the more cohesive attacking unit. But for a few lapses in front of goal and interventions by Benfica goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos, the quadruple chasers would have had the entire tie sewn up by half-time. They had to settle for a two-goal cushion instead.

Benfica found threats coming from all angles. Former Porto winger Díaz, his every touch whistled by his old rivals, was a potent outlet on his return to Portugal and involved in two early openings.

His left wing run ended in Robertson crossing for Mané to head over before, after Gilberto had over-elaborated and lost possession, Díaz delivered a delightful low cross into the penalty area that both Mané and Mohamed Salah missed.