Players only human,’ says Klopp as Liverpool survive collapse to reach semi-finals
Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp celebrates at the end of the UEFA Champions League quarter final second leg football match between Liverpool and Benfica at the Anfield stadium, in Liverpool, on April 13, 2022. – Liverpool and Benfica scored three goals each but Liverpool is qualified for the semi-finals. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
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.
Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp celebrates at the end of the UEFA Champions League quarter final second leg football match between Liverpool and Benfica at the Anfield stadium, in Liverpool, on April 13, 2022. – Liverpool and Benfica scored three goals each but Liverpool is qualified for the semi-finals. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
“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
