Nights like these can, at times now during Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool reign, seem almost ordinary. Somewhat routine, dare it be said.
After all, an ultimately comfortable 3-1 win in a fourth Champions League quarter-final of his tenure feels as though it comes as standard now at Anfield. It is no longer an additional extra.
But make no mistake, the good times that are so evidently in front of each and every Liverpool supporter right now are not being taken for granted. Certainly not for those who packed themselves into the nosebleeds of Estadio da Luz on Tuesday night to watch their side take a giant stride towards the last four of the European Cup.
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AS IT HAPPENED: Updates and analysis from Benfica vs Liverpool
This was a game that showcased Klopp’s multi-skilled side at somewhere near its best. From the controlled chaos of the early stages, when numbers flew forward at will, through to their ability to be resolute and mentally strong when the time called for it, all the way through to the ruthless streak that was shown by a third goal that could have sealed Benfica’s fate; this was a Liverpool performance that had a little something for everyone.
A little something from every iteration of Klopp’s Liverpool, in fact. The evolution may finally be complete. This is the team that has everything great about the sides of 2018, ‘19 and ‘20. Don’t bet against them going all the way and sealing European Cup No.7.
Klopp made six changes in total as Trent Alexander-Arnold came back into the side alongside Ibrahima Konate, Naby Keita, Luis Diaz, Fabinho and Sadio Mane.
Backed by vociferous home crowd, the Eagles started well but it was Liverpool who created the better openings with Keita enjoying the freedom to get into the penalty area seemingly at will.
The No.8 looked like he’d been unleashed in a midfield alongside Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho for the first time and it certainly appeared as though he had been instructed to get into the box as often as possible. Four attempts in total during the first half was proof enough of that.
Despite Keita’s menace, it was Ibrahima Konate who opened the scoring, when he met a corner from Andy Robertson before powering home a header.
The unassuming young Frenchman has been quietly superb in his debut campaign on Merseyside. While most of the attention has been fixed on Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and, perhaps to a lesser extent, Joe Gomez’s respective returns from long-term injury, Konate has been excellent and there is a real feeling within the club that the 22-year-old can grow into one of the continent’s finest in the years to come.
Liverpool continued to heave themselves forward, dizzying Benfica with a blur of yellow and it was so unselfish from Diaz to head down Alexander-Arnold’s sensational pass to Mane instead of trying to score himself for the second of the night.
Diaz’s Porto roots ensured he was booed from minute one here so it was an indicative of his clear mind and elite mentality that he chose to head it across for Mane’s tap-in when he could easily have tried to silence his detractors.
Mohamed Salah neglected to show the same clarity after another outlandish pass from Alexander-Arnold got him in behind. Instead of laying in Mane for another goal and probably the tie, his prod was saved and Benfica made it to half-time.
It’s difficult to be hyper-critical given the Egyptian’s 28-goal campaign so far, but he just seems to be suffering a bit from what has been a heavy workload for club and country in 2022.
This was his 22nd game of the calendar year as he brought up a total of 1960 minutes. He could use a goal. Or a short rest. Ask him and he’ll say the former. Klopp may opt for the latter after Sunday’s huge visit to Manchester City.
Benfica pulled one back through Darwin Nunez when Konate failed to cut out a low cross from Rafa Silva. It immediately energised the home crowd and suddenly, Liverpool had a fight on their hands once again.
With confidence coursing through the hosts all of a sudden, Klopp sent on Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Jordan Henderson for Thiago, Mane and an out-of-sorts Salah.
The changes eventually settled the visitors down, composure was regained and the pattern of play reverted to how it was before Nunez’s well-taken effort. In a way, it was full credit to Liverpool as plenty of other teams would have been flustered by the noise in the stands and the energy on the pitch after it went to 2-1.
And as the Reds successfully suppressed their hosts it was their apparent arch-nemesis Diaz who may just have put the tie beyond them when he rounded the goalkeeper to finish after more outstanding play from an excellent Keita.
“We shall not be moved!” roared the away fans, many of whom were not present when the game kicked off because of the shocking organisation outside the stadium. They were there by the end, though, saluting another victory. This one was one the season’s biggest to date. It won’t feel routine.
