Liverpool

Liverpool may need to replace Mohamed Salah sooner than they'd like and Serge Gnabry could be up to the task.

If a report from Goal is to be believed, Serge Gnabry could be the man to take over on the right side of the Reds' frontline. Liverpool need to be prepared for the post-Salah world in case it starts sooner than they would like. Liverpool and their supporters will be hoping the club is not looking for a new right forward any time soon.

Salah has played nearly 2000 minutes of football for club and country this year but just where will the Liverpool star be rested?

But just where and when Salah can be afforded some time off is the conundrum for Klopp in the coming weeks as the fight on all fronts only intensifies. The big question, though, is just where and when it arrives. One big chance in the first half brought a save from goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos when Sadio Mane was better placed to profit at 2-0. And that perhaps encapsulates the problem Klopp has right now. Both in the game and probably now the tie. By the end, the only thing Benfica had left to throw at Liverpool were their plastic flags.

Pep Guardiola faced a barrage of 'overthinking' questions in the Champions League, but it is Liverpool who could break him with a simple Jürgen Klopp tweak.

However, nobody presses through the middle like Firmino. Assuming the Manchester City manager opts to play a defensive midfielder — unlike his fateful overthink in last season’s Champions League final — the Brazilian will hussle him persistently, ensuring Liverpool are not simply played off the park. This is probably a slight exaggeration, but the German has been hyper-focused on taking each game as it comes, ensuring his squad do not get sucked into the enormity of the task at hand. As he stood in the changing room at Goodison Park, his mind was firmly on the other team from Liverpool. Different opponents offer different challenges, and it is the job of the coach to meet those challenges. Plenty of his tweaks have been inspired: he played Lionel Messi as a false nine for the first time in a Clasico against Real Madrid, and emerged with a 6-2 victory. So if the people can believe that I’m going to approach playing Atlético Madrid and Liverpool the same, I don’t think about that.

Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has already praised Liverpool, amid reports linking him with the Manchester United job.

A Nicolas Tagliafico own goal was enough to ensure the three points for Liverpool in their first meeting with Ajax since 1966. Their principles are hammered in and they can easily switch with the quality they have. "Of course Liverpool are a big challenge," he said in October 2020.

Liverpool's quest for Champions League glory heads to Portugal on Tuesday night where Benfica await. Who will take the advantage in this quarter-final first ...

For the Champions League, you may wish to choose 'USA' for Paramount+. You can add BT Sport to your package for only £15 a month (plus a £20 joining fee). Even if you have subscribed to the relevant Benfica vs Liverpool live stream rights holders, you won't be able to access them when outside your own country. Fetch TV, Apple TV, Android TV, most smart TVs, Amazon Fire, and Chromecast also carry the app for smart TV viewing. To begin with, there's a Stan 30-day free trial. Simply use a VPN to access a live stream without being blocked. Those on Virgin Media will need the Virgin V6 box and a 4K TV to make sure they're getting the action at maximum resolution. All the information passing back and forth is entirely encrypted. Can the Reds bring their scintillating Premier League form with them to the Portuguese capital? Jurgen Klopp's relentless Liverpool will present by far their toughest challenge yet, but much-admired Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez could cause problems for them and will be looking to make an impression in the biggest game of his career so far. It's an 8pm GMT kick-off at the Estádio da Luz on Tuesday 5th April 2022. Who will take the advantage in this quarter-final first leg?

Liverpool are looking to extend their incredible recent run of form as they head to Portugal to face Benfica in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

The Premier League have confirmed that referee Anthony Taylor will be in charge as Liverpool and Man City face off in a potential title decider at the ...

The Premier League have confirmed that referee Anthony Taylor will be in charge as Liverpool and Man City face off in a potential title decider at the Etihad on Sunday. Read More Liverpool Coverage Anthony Taylor Confirmed As Referee for Liverpool vs Man City Title Decider

Title challengers Manchester City and Liverpool have warmed up for their top-of-the-table clash at the weekend with first leg victories.

Still, the Reds passed the latest test in their bid for an unprecedented quadruple of trophies, with the semifinals now in sight. Antoine Griezmann wasted one opening with a poor pass and Marcos Llorente chipped tamely at goalkeeper Ederson from another. Benfica, playing in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2016 after eliminating Ajax in the last 16, could easily have been further behind by halftime as Liverpool pressed high and was much sharper with its passing. That built on Liverpool’s opener scored by Ibrahima Konaté — the centre back’s first for the club — off an outswinging corner from Robertson in the 17th minute. Konaté blotted what was otherwise a strong defensive display by failing to clear Rafa Silva's cross from the right. After a tight 70 minutes, City finally found its way through Atletico’s tough rear guard helped by Phil Foden's vision.

The winger, unbeaten against the Portuguese side in eight matches, scored one and set up another in the 3-1 victory.

Virgil Van Dijk had insisted that what this team is doing should “not be taken for granted”, and that was revealed as a useful reminder when Benfica rebelled in the second half. This is the city where the manager was on a break with his family when he got the call telling him that Liverpool wanted him. The game wasn’t even two minutes old when Díaz was first dumped on the floor, a roar greeting the tackle, but he was still standing at the end. Named man of the match, he might not have been the outstanding player here – Trent Alexander Arnold’s sumptuous diagonal passing gave him a strong claim to that – but Díaz had certainly been decisive. Not just in this match but perhaps in the tie, leading Liverpool towards the Champions League semi-final. In the end, it had to be him standing there before them.

Liverpool have taken a massive step towards the Champions League semi-finals after an impressive 3-1 victory away to Benfica. Here are 10 of the most ...

Since draw vs Newcastle last season, they have won 44 of last 54 matches in all comps. Liverpool's home defeat vs Inter is the only time in their last 18 matches (if you include EFL Cup final pens) that they have not won. – Liverpool have now won their last eight away matches in all competitions. – No player has scored more Champions League knockout goals than Sadio Mane since the 2017-18 season. “It was a tough game, what I expected, the crowd was there, we knew 2-0 is nothing, nice but not more. Benfica struggled to deal with the intensity of the visitors early doors.

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Mohamed Salah signing a new contract at Liverpool will 'solve one problem' but 'create another'.

He deserves his contract. The Egyptian is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal to keep him at Anfield beyond 2023, but manager Jurgen Klopp revealed in a press conference this week he is 'happy' with the talks. That's it."

With a monumental Premier League clash this weekend that could decide the league title, both sides made it through midweek Champions League victories ...

That would mean no room for Nathan Ake, who started both against Burnley and again against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. It's likely that Jack Grealish retakes his place on the left wing, while Phil Foden comes back in at striker and Raheem Sterling slides over to the right, which is the same configuration used against Burnley last weekend. Gundogan has played fewer minutes over the past few months, as Pep seems to be slowly phasing the German international out. Zinchenko has struggled to find time in the Man City lineup, but could be a rested option on Sunday. Jurgen Klopp's biggest decision comes up front, as Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah both came off on the hour mark against Benfica, but have displayed tired legs over the past few weeks as the minutes mount for both club and country. For Man City, Oleksandar Zinchenko was benched for the entire match, with Nathan Ake brought in to play left back.

Get a report of the Benfica vs. Liverpool 2021-22 UEFA Champions League, Quarterfinals football match.

Then just a few minutes later, Trent Alexander-Arnold capitalized immediately on a Benfica giveaway in the midfield to supply a wondrous diagonal ball over the top of the Benfica defense. Spurred on by a reawakened home crowd, Benfica continued to threaten to level the tie up. First, on 17 minutes, Andy Robertson supplied a pinpoint corner kick and Konate rose highest to power a header down and in from six yards for the centre-back's first Liverpool goal. We have a good result, we know much more about our opponent going to the second game and are aware of their quality." Instead, with three minutes remaining, Diaz seized on a through ball from Naby Keita to restore Liverpool's two-goal advantage heading into next week's second leg at Anfield. "The game was much more open than we expected.

The winter signing was targeted by fans in Lisbon after scoring in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg.

The first incident came after his 87th-minute goal that put the match to bed. His assist came on Sadio Mané’s 34th-minute goal, when the Colombian international made a valiant effort to head a cross in front of goal to his on-rushing teammate. The winger ran to celebrate by the corner flag before a fan sitting in the front row visibly launched a projectile in his direction.

It was a tidy road victory by Liverpool in Portugal as they return to Anfield with a 3-1 aggregate-goal advantage. The high mark goes to the newest ...

He got forward well a couple of times, but couldn't find the right pass when he did so. Henderson helped Liverpool regain control of the game when he came on. He suffered a worrying injury after a clash of heads with Nicolas Otamendi in the closing stages. A goal for the Senegalese attacker, who played through the middle of the frontline. The liveliest of the three starting attackers, his smart header across goal set up the second goal. He was brought off for Jordan Henderson after an hour, as Liverpool lost momentum in the game. He spent the game attempting to get tight to Darwin Nunez, but the Uruguayan wriggled out of those situations well at times, with Konate often forced into recovery defending. A solid performance from the Guinean midfielder. Several of Benfica's attacks came down his side, and Alexander-Arnold wasn't able to stem the flow. A mixed evening for the defender. The goalkeeper was relatively untested, but he handled anything that came at him without too many questions. Benfica continued to push, but they didn't have enough quality when they got into the final third, and Alisson's goal was relatively untroubled, despite the brave efforts from the Portuguese side.

Liverpool are now in a strong position to reach a third Champions League semi-final under Klopp, with the return game at Anfield next Wednesday. And of the ...

And of the scoreline, the Reds boss said: “It doesn't tell the whole story but the most important thing is we came here for a result. “It was clear when they scored the crowd would be back and the atmosphere would be good. They have all had a tough period so that was why it was helpful we could bring fresh legs.” “That is how it looks, it is a cut on the back of his head and there is no hair to hold the blood back. “Now it is time for it to settle. If the game is kind of decided then you are a bit more with the players who come off.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp looks ahead to huge showdown at Man City after 3-1 win away to Benfica in Champions League.

“We play now against the best team in the world, but we will give it a try anyway. Yes, everyone knows about the importance of the next game, but after this game there will be other games other competitions but also in the Premier League as well. “So what we did in the last few months, six, seven or eight months since the season started we created a basis.

Liverpool took charge of their Champions League quarter-final against Benfica on Tuesday as Sadio Mane, Ibrahima Konate and Luis Diaz gave them a 3-1 lead ...

Despite a 20-minute surge in the second half, Benfica were clearly second best. We will give it a try," he said in a press conference on Monday. The goal in the 17th minute was straightforward, Konate towering over Everton Soares at a corner and heading into the bottom of the net.

John Stones has said Manchester City will call on their experience of the 2019 title race to see off Liverpool's challenge this season.

"This week is vital for us in how we prepare and we stay calm about that because we've been in situations like this before," Stones said. "There's obviously that extra buzz about the game personally and what it means but it is just another game. "We went 14 games unbeaten and we know every game is so important to us.

New reports have come out saying that the Egyptian forward has rejected a contract offer of £400000 per week despite his desire to stay at Liverpool.

All of that football and a stressful contract situation has led to a string of poor performances. The forward played in the Africa Cup of Nations for Egypt in January, featured in almost all of Liverpool's matches this season, and lead Egypt to the brink of World Cup qualification. Report: Mohamed Salah Rejects New Liverpool Contract Worth £400,000 Per Week

Former Liverpool forwards Michael Owen and Peter Crouch have shared their thought's on Sunday's Premier League 'title decider' between their old club and ...

"I think it’s down to who is in form on the day. Along with City, Jurgen Klopp's side still need to play Manchester United, Everton and Tottenham before the season draws to a close on May 22. A defeat for either team would represent a huge blow in their push to secure the title this season.

Bournemouth boss Scott Parker has admitted he is hopeful of retaining the services of Liverpool defender Nat Phillips. Phillips signed for the Cherries on loan ...

Parker says that while no official talks have taken place, he admits he wants to have the Liverpool defender back for next season. Phillips is still under contract at Liverpool until 2025, after he signed a long-term deal with the Anfield club last summer. He has helped Bournemouth reach second place in the league table with nine matches left to play.

There was a heavy police presence at the Estadio da Luz before Benfica vs Liverpool and many fans were held up to the point that they missed the first goal.

Konate celebrated in front of the Liverpool section of supporters, where there was a lot of empty seats. Liverpool took the lead after 17 minutes when Ibrahima Konate headed in his first goal for the club. Journalist Simon Hughes shared a photo from outside the stadium and captioned it: "Scene outside the ground in Lisbon. No organisation."

Liverpool's charge towards a historic quadruple continued Tuesday as Jurgen Klopp's side ran out a comfortable 3-1 winner away to Benfica in its Champions ...

"Each player in that situation wants to score, and obviously with all the stories around, it's clear that Mo wants to score as well, especially in this moment. "That's all, [it was an] important game for Mo and Sadio tonight. If the game is open, like it was, then you just give a clap and about all the rest, we can speak later. They came through an incredibly tough group and played against one of the most talented teams in Europe with Ajax -- and here they are. However, it wasn't all good news for Liverpool as Mo Salah's recent struggles in front of goal continued. . "We knew in halftime today that it's not done.

Liverpool defeated Benfica 1-3 in the Champions League Quarter-finals. Here is everything that you need to know about the match and what comes next.

Luiz Diaz made his way onto the score sheet after scoring his first Champions League goal for Liverpool to make it 3-1. Liverpool march on through their list of massive fixtures through the month of April as they look to be the first team to win the quadruple. Following the 3-1 win in the UEFA Champions League first leg of the quarter final against Benfica, Liverpool take the lead to Anfield for the second leg on the 13th of April. However, before Liverpool next play in the Champions League they have the chance to go top of the Premier League if they beat Manchester City on Sunday. Liverpool scored their second goal in the 33rd minute after Trent Alexander-Arnold played a lofted ball to Diaz in the box who headed the ball down for Mane to tuck away the goal from close range. Goals from Ibrahima Konate, Sadio Mane and Luiz Diaz on his return to Portugal secured a 3-1 away win for Liverpool to take into the second leg.

Benfica went perfectly for Liverpool on Tuesday night and could prove ideal preparation for a potentially decisive moment in the Premier League title race ...

We play now against the best team in the world, that’s how it is, but we will give it a try anyway. The comfort of the two-goal lead in a Champions League quarter-final, and Liverpool’s evident superiority over Benfica for most of the night, offers Klopp an opportunity in the second leg to rest Salah before the FA Cup semi-final against Pep Guardiola’s team three days later. This is not really likely but that’s why we take it game by game and then it’s maybe a little bit more possible, but it will be really tough. Liverpool’s leading marksman has scored once in his last nine outings for club and country, a penalty at Brighton, and will view City as the perfect occasion to respond. The 3-1 win at Estadio da Luz was their eighth consecutive victory on the road in all competitions, a new Liverpool record, and while Klopp spoke of his team “really digging deep and fighting with all they have” to extend the sequence in Portugal, overall it was Liverpool’s most commanding performance for several weeks. As at Inter, when Henderson, Keita and Luis Díaz were introduced with the hosts increasingly dangerous, it was circumstances on the night rather than with a mind on the next game that prompted Klopp to withdraw Thiago Alcântara, Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah in the 61st minute against Benfica. But they should all feel the benefit.

Midweek results fell a little shy of the dream Liverpool scenario, but they are set to get a big Man City edge in the FA Cup, if not in the Premier League.

However, in truth he will know that, with the Anfield crowd providing a helping hand, there is scope to make changes to his starting XI and still get through from here. We are aware of the quality and now we have a nice game in between but then we will be ready again for Benfica." The more that either side has to put into their European exploits, the less they will presumably have to give when they come up against each other.