Liverpool will be looking to book their place in the last four of the Champions League when they welcome Benfica to Anfield for the second leg of their quarterfinal tie on Wednesday night with kickoff at 22:00.
Liverpool put themselves in a great position to qualify for the semifinals of the competition as they head into the second leg with a two goal advantage following a 3-1 victory at Estadio da Luz las week.
The Reds warmed-up for the clash with a frantic 2-2 draw with Manchester City in the huge Premier League clash that could have shaped the end of the league. The draw meant that Jurgen Klopp’s men are still capable of clinching a quadruple this season as they still are just a point behind City. But, they will have to rely on the champions dropping points, which could be a rare thing to see happen especially with just seven remaining.
As for the Champions League Klopp’s side will be confident of making it to the semifinals as they not only have a two-goal lead but also they have a home advantage, and they have only lost one fixture at home this season across all competitions and should be confident here.
With another intriguing fixture coming up against Man City in the semi-finals of the FA next weekend, Klopp may use this week’s second leg to rotate the squad.
Darwin Nunez scored the consolation goal for Benfica in the first leg to keep his side a bit alive in the tie, but it will take something special for the Portuguese to get something out of Liverpool at Anfield. The last time they visited Anfield they were demolished by a rampant 4-1 scoreline.
However, they warmed-up for the second leg with a confidence-boosting 3-1 against Belenenses at home on Saturday, with Nunez bagging a hat-trick to seal the deal for Benfica.
Benfica did well to eliminate Ajax from the Champions League in the previous stage, but they face an uphill task here to stay in the competition, with the hosts now clear favorites to progress.
Liverpool vs Benfica head to head
Both sides have met in five encounters since 2006 with Benfica claiming three victories while Liverpool have claimed two victories.
- Benfica 1-3 Liverpool 05/04/22
- Liverpool 4-1 Benfica 08/04/10
- Benfica 2-1 Liverpool 01/04/10
- Liverpool 0-2 Benfica 08/03/06
- Benfica 1-0 Liverpool 21/02/06
Home
- Man City 2-2 Liverpool
- Benfica 1-3 Liverpool
- Liverpool 2-0 Watford
- Nottingham 0-1 Liverpool
- Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool
Away
- Benfica 3-1 Belenenses
- Benfica 1-3 Liverpool
- Braga 3-2 Benfica
- Benfica 2-1 Estoril
- Ajax 0-1 Benfica
Liverpool team news
Liverpool have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the clash.
Benfica team news
Benfica will be without Lucas Verissimo and Rodrigo Pinho due to injuries.
Prediction and odds
- Liverpool win
- Goals over 2.5
- Both sides to score
