UEFA Champions League: Liverpool Player Ratings from their 3-1 win over Benfica

UEFA Champions League: Liverpool Player Ratings from their 3-1 win over Benfica

Liverpool secured a hard fought 3-1 win over Portuguese giants Benfica in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

Konate opened the scoring in the 17th minute, heading home from a wonderful corner by Andy Robertson. Sadio Mane soon extended the lead in the 34th minute after an excellent pass by Trent Alexander-Arnold released Luis Diaz who unselfishly squared it for the Senegal forward before Diaz sealed off the game from an excellent pass from naby Keita in the 88th minute

Luis Diaz (photo by Getty images)

Liverpool Player Ratings vs Benfica

Alisson Becker – (6 out of 10)

The Liverpool goalkeeper was largely untroubled but made two crucial saves to preserve Liverpool’s advantage. Survived a nervy moment in the second half when he was almost caught out for taking too much time on the ball.

Andy Robertson – 7

Andy Robertson put in an assured performance at left-back and was rarely troubled by the Benfica forwards. He also put in a wonderful corner from which Ibrahima Konate opened the scoring

Virgil van Dijk – 6.5

Liverpool’s captain on the night, Van Dijk showed excellent recovery pace on a couple of occasions to thwart the likes of Rafa Silva and Nunez.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7.5/10

Making a comeback from a slight hamstring issue, Alexander-Arnold showed his class and range of passing with some wonderful through balls and cross-field balls. Played a crucial role in Liverpool’s second goal scored by Sadio Mane.

Ibrahima Konate – 6

He scored his first goal in Liverpool colors but was at fault for Darwin Nunez’s goal.

Fabinho – 6

The Brazilian midfielder had a superb first half. However, just like Liverpool, he did have some shaky moments in the second half.

Thiago – 6

Thiago had a game of two halves. The Spaniard was excellent in the first half but misplaced some passes in the second half and was harried off the ball on a couple of occasions.

Naby Keita – 8

Keita had a great game for Liverpool. The midfielder was tenacious and took up some excellent attacking positions in the first half. He capped off a fine evening by setting up Luis Diaz for the all-important third goal.

Luis Diaz – 7.5

Liverpool’s brightest attacker in this game. The Colombian was tireless and full of running. His intelligent movement was a constant threat to the Benfica backline. Killed the game with a well-taken finish from a pass by keita

Sadio Mane – 7

Sadio Mane started through the middle for Liverpool. Managed to get on the scoresheet after some excellent work by Alexander-Arnold and Diaz. He was substituted in the 61st minute after a fine attacking display.

Mohamed Salah – 4

Salah was not at his best against Benfica. Salah squandered an excellent opportunity in the first half to get on the scoresheet.

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