Benfica mistakes prove costly in Liverpool loss

Benfica went into their Champions League quarter-final encounter saying all the right things but once the game kicked off, Benfica looked afraid to get any attack going in the first half, a mistake that proved costly in their 3-1 defeat at the hands of Liverpool and now face the impossible task of traveling to Anfield next week and hoping for a positive result in the second leg encounter.

The Estadio da Luz was rocking as the game kicked off but Benfica got their first warning just nine minutes into the game as Salah's chance on goal was shot straight at Benfica keeper Vlachodimos. The game would remain scoreless for just eight more minutes as Liverpool would convert a corner when center back Konate who was left unmarked would smash a header into the Benfica net.

Benfica would get a break at the 23 minute mark but Everton's run on goal should have saw him do better as his shot would go wide into the netting from in close range. Liverpool almost doubled their lead just one minute later but a Luis Diaz attempt was turned aside by Vlachodimos once more as Liverpool's confidence grew.

Liverpool would then make the score 2-0 after a Taarabt pass attempt was intercepted in Benfica's half and a beautiful cross by Alexander-Arnold would see Luis Diaz head pass the ball to an open Sadio Mane who would tap the ball into a wide open goal. Luis Diaz would then come oh so close to scoring but his low shot would go wide of the bottom left corner. Vlachodimos would need to make another stop just before the half, this time to Mo Salah to keep the game within reach.

Benfica were lucky to go into the half down just two as the Lisbon side failed to get anything going and who's passing was piss poor all half.

Benfica set for Liverpool clash

Benfica will kick off their Champions League quarter-final campaign against English club Liverpool on Tuesday at the Estadio da Luz as the Lisbon side continues their UEFA campaign with the second leg of the quarter-final taking place at Anfield on April 13. 

Benfica go into this game coming off a disappointing road loss to Braga 3-2 on Friday, just about ending the clubs quest to finish in the top two places in the league as they currently trail second place Sporting by six points, which could rise to nine by the end of the day today. Benfica are hoping that a continued run in the Champions League will appease their fans from their terrible domestic season.

Benfica should look within league for Darwin replacement

Benfica are all but certain to sell the rights to striker Darwin Nunez this summer during the transfer window and with the Uruguayan's strong season that has seen him score 26 goals across all competitions in 33 games, Benfica are set to receive an almost record haul for the 22 year old who only joined the club in the summer of 2020.

With Benfica set to receive a minimum €70M for Nunez at this time, the club could receive an even higher fee if Nunez continues his fine form until season end. Benfica will provide 20% of any sale price to Almeria as the Spanish side made sure to include this clause in the sale when the Lisbon side acquired Nunez.

Benfica could also see the departure of Swiss striker Haris Seferovic this summer leaving the club with youngster Goncalo Ramos, Roman Yaremchuk and often injured Rodrigo Pinho as their only options. With a new manager looking set to take over at the club next season the club may need to add a striker or two depending on his formation.

Benfica President Rui Costa has stated he will be looking at cost certainty next season and that the clubs main reinforcements look to be coming from within the league and if that is indeed the case then there are a couple of strikers who come to mind that Benfica could target.

The two strikers the club could look to add this off season are:

Vitinha (Braga) - The 22 year old has been a regular with Braga this season since October and has chipped in 12 goals across all competitions with 5 coming in league play, 6 in the Taca de Portugal and 1 in Europa League play in 30 games of action. Vitinha would more then likely cost Benfica between €12M to €20M to land.

Fran Navarro (Gil Vicente) - The 24 year currently sits fifth in league scoring with 13 goals and has scored 34% of Gil Vicente's goals in league action this season. Navarro is in his first season in Portugal after joining the Barcelos club on a free transfer after playing with Valencia's B squad the season prior and could cost Benfica between €5M to €8M to land.