Category: Football

 

Supporters of Spanish giants Real Madrid have flooded to social media on Sunday evening, to single one player out for special praise on the back of the club’s meeting with Sevilla.

Carlo Ancelotti’s troops, of course, were back in action a short time ago.

Amid the club’s ongoing pursuit of the La Liga title, Los Blancos made the trip to Andalusia, for a meeting with Julen Lopetegui’s high-flying Sevilla.

Real headed into proceedings brimming with confidence, fresh off the back of a remarkable comeback downing of Chelsea in the Champions League in midweek.

And, when all was said and done this evening, the capital giants’ recovery powers were on full display once more, en route to a turnaround 3-2 triumph.

After goals on the part of Ivan Rakitic and Erik Lamela guided Sevilla into a 2-0 lead inside 25 minutes, Real clawed their way back level courtesy of Rodrygo and Nacho Fernandez, to set up a nail-biting final ten minutes at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

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Nacho equalises! 🔥

Real Madrid draw level in what’s been an outstanding game at the Sanchez Pizjuan ⚪

Still 10 minutes to go too 👀 pic.twitter.com/zOQrR5wD8e

— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) April 17, 2022

And, as they say, cometh the hour, come the man…

As proceedings rolled into injury time, almost inevitably, Karim Benzema ensured that all three points would be heading back to the Spanish capital, keeping his composure amid a chaotic scene in the Sevilla penalty area to slot home a 39th goal of the campaign:

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BENZEMA!!! 😱😱

From 2-0 down to 3-2 up for Real Madrid! ⚪

“And that could be the goal that decides LaLiga!” 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/uTIIqR42YH

— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) April 17, 2022

‘Game changer’

On the back of the final whistle bringing a close to proceedings at the Sanchez Pizjuan, it should therefore come as little surprise to hear of the name of that man Benzema taking its place front and centre in the headlines.

As alluded to above, though, it is in fact another member of Carlo Ancelotti’s ranks who has been singled out as the true ‘game changer’ in the eyes of many others.

The player in question? Rodrygo.

Youngster Rodrygo was introduced off the bench at the interval in Andalusia, and went on to bag not only Real’s first of the clash, but also the assist for Benzema’s eventual winner.

In turn, the Brazilian has been widely hailed by those of a Blancos persuasion across social media, with just some of the highlights showcased below:

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Rodrygo absolutely changed this game. What a performance man.

— Jake Davies (@jakedavi5) April 17, 2022

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Rodrygo was fucking incredible today, changed the game single handedly, what a performance my man of the match

— Rupak (@RupakCS4) April 17, 2022

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Rodrygo coming on in the 2nd half has completely changed the complexion of this game. What a half-time sub!!!

— naema (@naemaj11) April 17, 2022

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Rodrygo was the game changer in this game. Deserved King of the match.

Hala Madrid! https://t.co/TWNVaSpIuq

— Heinrich (@xigentplan) April 17, 2022

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Rodrygo vs Sevilla:

54 minutes played
1 shot
1 goal
1 assist
3 key passes
22/24 passes completed (92%)

GAME CHANGER pic.twitter.com/BBBzyQFW2R

— Madrid Archives (@MadridArchives) April 17, 2022

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Rodrygo changed the game.
Enough of the valverde rw/ diamond nonsense

— Cortez (@mrxbone) April 17, 2022

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Shout out to Rodrygo one time 💪🏽 completely changed the game

— Don Rich (@BlindedbyFaith_) April 17, 2022

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What a come back by Real Madrid what a fight 🔥🔥Rodrygo game changer as always

— Strata ke Office #SKO (@gevaarlik21) April 17, 2022

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PSG✅
Chelsea✅
Sevilla✅

3 of the most important games this season in which Rodrygo coming on completely changed dynamic of the game in Madrid’s favour.

There was only one team playing in the 2nd half today all due to Rodrygo.

To think some Madrid fans want him out is crazy pic.twitter.com/TnDg4WeTPM

— Noodle Vini (@vini_ball) April 17, 2022

 

Barcelona vs Cádiz betting tips: La Liga preview, predictions and odds

Highlights: Arsenal’s Matteo Guendouzi sparks Neymar fury as PSG take Classique spoils

 

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Liverpool are thought to be preparing a move for Aberdeen defender Calvin Ramsay as they search for cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold in the summer transfer window.

The Reds have improved their squad depth immeasurably in the past two seasons, but right-back is still a position in which they could do with backup, with Joe Gomez the current option should Alexander-Arnold find himself sidelined for any reason.

Gomez is a fine defender, but is a centre-back by trade and his future at Anfield is unclear with the Englishman having made just 9 starts across all competitions this season following his return from serious injury.

With two years left on his current deal come the end of the season, a decision will have to be made on his future one way or another, and it is looking increasingly likely that he could depart.

Calvin Ramsay in the crosshairs

Now, as per the Sun, Calvin Ramsay is the man that Jurgen Klopp has identified as a suitable backup for their creative right-back, with the Aberdeen man having turned in a series of impressive performances for the Scottish side.

The 18-year-old has grabbed a goal and five assists this season in an impressive Scottish Premiership campaign, and as per the report, ‘Ramsay has been attracting interest since his breakthrough and the Anfield giants see him as a player to sign and bring through for the first team’.

It would likely spell the end of both Gomez’s and Neco Williams’ time at Anfield, but could prove another shrewd pickup by the Reds.

Read more:

Barcelona vs Cádiz betting tips: La Liga preview, predictions and odds

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace betting tips: FA Cup preview, predictions & odds

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Liverpool star Thiago Alcantara has taken to social media on Saturday evening, to send a personal message to the club’s supporters.

Thiago, of course, played an integral role earlier today, as Jurgen Klopp’s Reds kept hopes of an unprecedented quadruple alive courtesy of an FA Cup semi-final downing of Manchester City.

The Spanish international shone throughout the 90 minutes, lighting up the Wembley turf courtesy of a trademark combination of touch, passing and flair.

On the back of the action coming to a close in the English capital, it therefore came as little surprise to hear of the Liverpool faithful singling their midfield metronome out for widespread praise.

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Thiago’s game by numbers vs Man City:

100% aerial duels won
100% take-ons completed
92% pass accuracy
64 touches
46 passes
12 duels contested
11 duels won
4 tackles made
3 fouls won
2 take-ons
1 assist
0 x dribbled past

Dominated in midfield. pic.twitter.com/DHI5cKxEjm

— Squawka (@Squawka) April 16, 2022

And now, as alluded to above, Thiago himself has moved to return the favour.

Taking to his official social media platforms, the former Bayern Munich man sent a message of thanks to all who made the trip to London on Saturday, for their ‘crazy’ support:

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pic.twitter.com/Z7TL4U7gu8

— Thiago Alcantara (@Thiago6) April 16, 2022

Mane at the double

Whilst Thiago proved the star of the show when it came to the exchanges in the middle of the park on Saturday, it was another member of Jurgen Klopp’s ranks who did so when it came to the scoresheet.

The player in question? Sadio Mane.

After Ibrahima Konate fired Liverpool into an early lead at Wembley, Mane quickly put the Reds out of sight, bagging a brace – the 2nd of which came courtesy of a stunning volley from Thiago’s assist – before the clash had even reached half-time.

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@LFC

Sadio Mané scores a beauty of a volley#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/Q4CSPHjEL4

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) April 16, 2022

Manchester City, to their credit, did manage to pull a pair of goals back over the course of the 2nd-half through Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva, but it ultimately proved too little, too late, as Liverpool booked an FA Cup finale showdown with one of Chelsea or Crystal Palace.

 

Man City send apology to Liverpool over fan behaviour at Wembley

Man City pull ahead in race for Erling Haaland as Real Madrid keep faith in Karim Benzema

 

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Mikel Arteta has been discussing his striking options ahead of Arsenal’s meeting with Southampton.

Arsenal take on Southampton at St Mary’s at 3 pm UK time on Saturday.

The match is a must-win for Arsenal if they are to have any hope of securing a top-four berth this season.

Southampton are 14^th in the league with 36 points from 31 games, meaning they are basically safe from relegation and have little left to play for this term.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are 5^th in the Premier League, three points off Tottenham with a game in hand.

This means that Arsenal can draw level on points with Spurs if they win said game in hand, but will remain 5^th due to their inferior goal difference.

As a result, Arsenal need to get back to winning ways this weekend and then hope they can get one over on Antonio Conte’s side when they meet at the end of the campaign.

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Arsenal’s striking options

However, though it is a key game, Arsenal may have to make do without a third senior player for the clash as Alexandre Lacazette, the Gunners’ only decent striking option at present, has missed three training sessions this week.

As a result, Arteta was asked about his other potential striking options for Saturday. When asked about Emile Smith Rowe’s ability to play as a false nine, Arteta had this to say:

“He’s not been completely fit to be training and playing every game, but it’s a possibility,” Arteta said. “It’s a position that I think he can fulfil in the future, but he needs training, and he needs experience in it.”

Then, when asked if Gabriel Martinelli can play as a striker, the Spaniard added: “We have many options, so you will see tomorrow.”

Manchester United vs Norwich City betting tips: Premier League preview, predictions & odds

Manchester City vs Liverpool betting tips: FA Cup semi-final preview, predictions and odds

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As the 2021-22 football season approaches its final weeks, one storyline more so than any other has begun to take shape; the chance for Premier League giants Liverpool to secure a historic quadruple.

Jürgen Klopp’s high-flying Reds recently played out an entertaining 3-3 draw against legendary Portuguese side SL Benfica in their midweek Champions League clash that saw Liverpool book passage into the semi-finals of Europe’s premier club competition, keeping hopes alive that the Anfield-based side could become the first English club to ever secure a ‘true’ quadruple.

The 2-2 draw against rivals Manchester City last Sunday may not have allowed Liverpool to leapfrog their Premier League title rivals, but it kept them within one point of Pep Guardiola’s table-topping City, which was more than enough to keep hopes alive that they have the chance to eventually climb ahead of the Spaniard.

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🔴 Jurgen Klopp says he is relishing the heat of the battle as quadruple-chasing Liverpool prepare to face Man City for the second time in a week 👊#FACup #MCILIVhttps://t.co/98dR85vTbH

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) April 15, 2022

Those budding domestic rivals are set to come to grips once again this Sunday, with direct implications regarding the potential achievement that Liverpool is currently steaming towards when they meet once again, but this time, lock horns in the semi-final of the FA Cup.

It is a clash that Klopp is not only relishing but a fixture where he hopes to see improvement from his vaunted Liverpool outfit despite earning a very credible point last weekend at the Etihad.

“City were really strong last week and we were not at our best so I would like to see a game where we are at our best as well/ That would be interesting, so let’s give it a try. It has to be treated like a final, we have to. That’s how it is pretty much and that’s how we approached it already since January since we started this little mission. You have to go all-in.” note: quotes provided by BeIN Sports.

Thankfully for Liverpool, they can fall back to cup success already this season after the Reds secured a Carabao Cup win back in late February when Klopp’s men fought to a 0-0 draw against compatriot Thomas Tuchel and his Chelsea side before eventually winning 11-10 on penalties thanks to Kepa Arrizabalaga blazing his effort from the spot well over the bar.

That recent success at the first time of asking in a cup final certainly can be tapped into as the business end of three other competitions is approaching.

Beyond their weekend clash with budding rivals Man City, Liverpool has been drawn against giant-killing Villarreal in the semi-finals of the Champions League after former Arsenal boss Unai Emery perpetrated one of the biggest upsets in the history of the competition when El Submarino Amarillo dispatched the Bavarian giants from the quarterfinals thanks to a 2-1 aggregate win.

The shock result prompted Klopp to heap praise in the direction of Emery, who he hailed as “the king of the cups” after the Spanish side skipped past both Bayern and Juventus during the knockout stage of the competition, and although the comparable status between both clubs is considerable, Villarreal surely cannot be underestimated by any means.

Should Liverpool see their way past Villarreal, it would once again present them with a possible clash against – you guessed it – Man City in the Champions League final set to take place at the Stade de France in Paris after City were drawn against Real Madrid in a clash that former Barcelona man Guardiola will no doubt look to enjoy.

 

 

Back on the home front in the Premier League, Liverpool has a considerably more difficult run-in to a potential title in comparison to their title rival City.

Liverpool faces their two biggest rivals in the league in the aftermath of the FA Cup clash when they host both Manchester United and Everton before traveling north to come to grips with Newcastle United, only to close out the season in may in dates with Tottenham (H), Aston Villa (A), Southampton (A), and Wolves (H).

By comparison City host Brighton and Watford, only to then travel to Leeds United before returning home to clash with Newcastle United and then closing out the final two weeks of the season against West Ham United (A), and Aston Villa (H).

It is not every season that arguably the top two clubs in all of Europe are potentially set to lock horns in three separate competitions which could see one of them arrive at the summer hauling all four major trophies on offer.

Should Liverpool succeed in their quest, they would be the first British side since Celtic in 1966-67 to win a quadruple when the Hoops won the Scottish first division, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup, and the European Cup when the likes of Stevie Chalmers and Joe McBride led the “Lisbon Lions” to eternal glory.

Since then, a major club in Europe has won four trophies in a calendar year on six other occasions – Bayern Munich x 2, Real Madrid x 2, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain – but never four in the same season.

And perhaps most impressive of all, it would cement Jürgen Klopp’s legacy as arguably the greatest manager’s in the club’s illustrious history. Four trophies this season would see Klopp take home seven major honors (eight if you include the Club World Cup) since his arrival at Anfield over 6-years ago, and become only the 5th Liverpool manager to win the league multiple times and only the second to win multiple European honors, following in the footsteps of the great Bob Paisley.

Already boasting the highest winning percentage of any Liverpool manager in history (62.06%) ahead of Kenny Dalglish, a historic quadruple would be enough to suggest that Klopp is without a doubt the best manager in club football today.

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After nearly 10 years at the club, Sean Dyche has left Burnley with eight games of the Premier League season left to play.

With the Clarets currently sitting 18^th in the Premier League and four points from safety, it seems likely the Lancashire outfit will have to appoint a new boss as soon as possible if they are to stand any chance of beating the drop.

101 have taken a look at the current favourites for the job below.

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Sam Allardyce

Club: None

Odds: 9/2

The current favourite for the job is Sam Allardyce.

Given the fairly low standing of Burnley, they are unlikely to be able to attract too many top names.

However, with just eight games left to play and a four-point deficit to be overturned, the man you probably want to call is Sam Allardyce.

Allardyce is a relegation specialist and has only ever been relegated from the Premier League once in his career – at the end of 2020/21 with West Brom.

Michael Duff

Club: Cheltenham Town

Odds: 10/1

The next favourite to take the job is Michael Duff. Duff is a former Burnley player, notching 342 appearances between 2004 and 2016 for the Clarets.

Duff has since taken charge of Cheltenham Town and secured them promotion to League One for the first time in their history last season.

How quickly he could adapt to the Premier League remains to be seen.

Nuno Espirito Santo

Club: None

Odds: 10/1

Currently on the same odds as Duff, Nuno Espirito Santo is likely to be a better choice than the former Burnley star.

Granted, Nuno’s stint at Tottenham earlier this campaign was a disaster, but the Portuguese has experience in the Premier League, and in the Championship. He won promotion with Wolves in 2017/18.

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Daniel Farke

Club: Left Krasnodar during current season

Odds: 12/1

Farke was in charge of Russian side Krasnodar, but he left the club on March 2^nd due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Farke could be a decent appointment for Burnley if they do go down as the German has won promotion from the Championship twice.

He is also a much more attack-minded manager than Dyche, so could be a good pickup if Burnley are looking to change their style of play.

However, Farke’s record in the Premier League is pretty woeful and it is hard to see him keeping Burnley up should he take the job.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Club: None

Odds: 12/1

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been out of work since he was sacked by Manchester United earlier this year.

And whilst he did have some success with United, the Norwegian does not have a great record when fighting relegation.

Solskjaer took charge of Cardiff in 2014 and led them to relegation that same season, earning just 30 points from 38 games.

The former Manchester United man also doesn’t have a great record in the Championship, being sacked by Cardiff early in the 2015/16 campaign after a poor start.

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The social media team at West Ham United have taken full advantage of their side’s win over Olympique Lyonnais on Thursday, to poke fun at a key member of the French outfit’s squad.

The player in question? Moussa Dembele.

Hitman Dembele of course established himself as public enemy no.1 amongst the Hammers faithful this day last week.

This came when, during the Europa League quarter-final first-leg clash between the clubs, the former Celtic man secured a free-kick for his side which many viewed as soft at best, ultimately culminating in Aaron Cresswell being given his marching orders.

Not only that, but Dembele was then caught winking by TV cameras covering the fixture, further infuriating those of a West Ham persuasion.

As alluded to above, though, this evening, the Irons have had the last laugh.

After emerging victorious from their return leg meeting with Lyon, the London club’s social media admins took to Twitter, to post the following lighthearted dig at Dembele:

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😉 pic.twitter.com/lsKoWanh65

— West Ham United (@WestHam) April 14, 2022

Bowen amongst the goals

Turning attentions back towards the action at the Groupama Stadium itself on Thursday, a wonderful team display on the part of David Moyes’ visitors saw goals on the part of all of Craig Dawson, Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen guide West Ham to the right side of a historic 3-0 result.

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It keeps getting better and better for West Ham! 🙏

A swift attack allows Jarrod Bowen to go clean through on goal and he makes no mistake in finding the corner! 🎯#UEL pic.twitter.com/7tePYwyhP9

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 14, 2022

The Irons, in turn, have booked their spot in the semi-finals of the Europa League for the first time ever, where they are set to go head to head with Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt, who themselves shocked the masses this evening in sending Barcelona packing from the competition.

 

How Leicester & West Ham sealing glory would impact the Premier League’s European places for next season

Southampton vs Arsenal betting tips: Premier League preview, predictions and odds

 

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West Ham have reportedly joined Liverpool in the race for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby ahead of a potential summer move for the 22 year old.

The former Paris Saint Germain winger has been in brilliant form for the Bundesliga side, grabbing 12 goals and 9 assists in 27 Bundesliga appearances, while he has also made 5 appearances for Les Blues in their successful World Cup qualification.

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Moussa Diaby has been directly involved in 10 goals in 11 Bundesliga matches in 2022.

⚽️ 7 goals
👟 3 assists

🔜 #BOCB04 pic.twitter.com/c7MaryJT0Y

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) April 7, 2022

This has led to widespread interest in his services beyond this summer, with Leverkusen in a strong selling position thanks to Diaby’s contract running until 2025. That has not stopped enquiries, however, and West Ham are the latest club to express an interest, as per Italian outlet CalcioMercato.

The Hammers have begun planning for their summer moves, and have had to reassess their targets after moves for the likes of Darwin Nunez fell through in January, with the Benfica man now set to join a bigger club than the Irons this summer.

And Diaby could fit the bill, although they are not alone in their admiration for the winger, and he wouldn’t come cheap.

Liverpool among others in the hunt

Another club thought to be interested in the Frenchman are Liverpool, who are still looking for a third addition to their frontline as they aim to begin the regeneration of their forward line. All of Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are the wrong side of 30 years old, and are all out of contract in 2023.

And, while Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz are worthy replacements, adding Diaby into the mix would ensure that the progression of the club is not hindered should all three veterans depart the club in quick succession.

However, having just added Diaz in January, and having agreed a deal for Fulham’s Fabio Carvalho, it is unclear as to how high up their list of priorities an expensive move for Diaby now would be.

Read more:

Getafe vs Villarreal betting tips: La Liga preview, predictions and odds

Valencia vs Osasuna betting tips: La Liga preview, predictions and odds

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Liverpool booked their passage into the semi-finals of the Champions League this season after a 3-3 draw at Anfield tonight and a 6-4 aggregate win over Portuguese giants Benfica.

The result will now pit Jürgen Klopp’s high-flying Reds against Unai Emery‘s giant-killing Villarreal after the La Liga side ousted German juggernaut Bayern Munich from the competition last night with a 2-1 aggregate win across two legs.

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Roberto Firmino has now scored as many Champions League goals (20) as Fernando Torres.

FirNiño. #UCL pic.twitter.com/EBPc2I8CPk

— Squawka (@Squawka) April 13, 2022

Brazilian international striker Roberto Firmino bagged a brace for the Reds against the visiting side on the night that propelled him up the goal chart to become the fourth Liverpool player to net at least 20-goals this season across all competitions, and though Benfica walked away with a high-scoring draw on a night where Klopp rested a cadre of first-choice XI options, Liverpool remains in the hunt for another quadruple this season but will remain weary of coming up against an Emery side that has already proven themselves capable in cup competitions under the Spanish headmaster.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Alisson (5.5) – Hardly the best day for the Brazilian international. Made a handful of saves but nothing special.

Joe Gomez (7) – A very solid outing for Gomez who was deputizing for Trent Alexander-Arnold on the night. Good stuff from a player who is predominately a center-back.

Ibrahima Konaté (7.5) – Scored against Benfica in both legs for Liverpool and was generally good throughout. Growing as a Red this season.

Joel Matip (6) – Not the best from him tonight and he certainly looks a bit more assured when deployed next to Virgil van Dijk.

Kostas Tsimikas (8.5) – Two assists tonight from the Greek international who generally performs when called upon by Jürgen Klopp and is a credit to the club’s squad depth.

James Milner (6) – Okay overall. Nothing more nothing less.

Naby Keïta (6) – Similar to Milner, Naby Keïta had an okay outing but he remains largely inconsistent overall in his performance levels.

Jordan Henderson (6.5) – Not the best stuff from him but he was still decent and his utility in multiple phases of play comes through more often than not.

Diogo Jota (7) – Bagged an assist and had some solid moments where he looked a threat as usual.

Luis Díaz (7) – Did not directly contribute to any of the goals on the night but his work rate and ability to influence a match without a goal or assist is a credit to him.

Roberto Firmino (8) – A brace for the Brazilian who remains one of the key players under Jürgen Klopp despite not always being first choice at this stage.

Subbed-on at 57-minutes: Mohammed Salah (6) – A night off for Salah from the XI and did not do enough to earn a higher rating after being introduced.

Subbed-on at 58-minutes: Fabinho (6) – Was given roughly thirty minutes on the night but was not his normal presence.

Subbed-on at 58-minutes: Thiago (6) – A similar performance to Fabinho. Was okay with what he was given.

Subbed-on at 66-minutes: Sadio Mané (6) – Far less influential than who he came on for (Díaz) but a down night off the bench was hardly an issue overall.

Subbed-on at 90-minutes: Divock Origi (N/A) – Came on in stoppage time and had nothing to offer through no fault of his own.

SL Benfica Player Ratings

Odysseas Vlachodimos (5) – A poor outing from the Greek international who was directly responsible for Roberto Firmino’s first goal on the night.

Gilberto (6.5) – It was a halfway-decent outing for Gilberto who can probably leave Anfield relatively confident.

Nicolás Otamendi (7) – The veteran center-back turned back the clock a little bit and performed admirably at the heart of the defense.

Jan Vertonghen (5.5) – A shadow of the key center-back role he excelled in at Tottenham for years. Simply should have been much better.

Alejandro Grimaldo (7) – A solid showing from a player who continues to produce from the left-back position. Added an assist which was deserved.

Adel Taarabt (6) – Tried to get involved and had glimpses of his ability that at times was on display in the Premier League but only okay overall.

Julian Weigl (6.5) – Exhibited the same calmness on the ball and command-and-control capability he showed at Dortmund. He was pretty okay.

Diogo Gonçalves (6) – Scored a vital goal for Benfica in the first leg but was unable to replicate his previous performance in what was otherwise an average evening.

Gonçalo Ramos (7) – A goal for him that was deserved overall. One of the better players for Benfica on the night.

Éverton (6.5) – Lively and a nuisance as he typically is but could not offer more than that, unfortunately.

Darwin Núñez (7.5) – Bagged a goal and showed throughout proceedings why he is one of Europe’s hot commodities at the moment.

Subbed-on at 45-minutes: Roman Yaremchuk (7) – A goal off the bench from the Ukrainian international and was generally a good presence in the centre-forward channel.

Subbed-on at 66-minutes: João Mário (6.5) – Better than the man he replaced (Taarabt) on the whole with a rating that reflects that. Maybe should have started.

Subbed-on at 78-minutes: Paulo Bernardo (6) – Lively from the bench but it is always difficult to come on against Liverpool at Anfield and truly make an impact.

Subbed-on at 90-minutes: Gil Dias (N/A) – On in stoppage time and with little chance to offer anything of note on the night.

Subbed-on at 90-minutes: André Almeida (N/A) – The same fate as the aforementioned Dias. Simply cannot garner a rating.

What the managers said

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🗣 “Villarreal probably has the most successful cup manager in world football so he knows what he’s doing.”

Jürgen Klopp on facing Villarreal in the #UCL semi-final. pic.twitter.com/mxWuXA03zY

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) April 13, 2022

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🎙 “Eu acho que todos os Benfiquistas se têm que orgulhar da campanha que o Benfica fez na Champions.”

Nélson Veríssimo em declarações à ELEVEN | @oscaroneleven #ChampionsELEVEN pic.twitter.com/nS6q4JCDtG

— ELEVEN Portugal (@ElevenSports_PT) April 13, 2022

What you may have missed

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Darwin Núñez is the first player to score six goals for Benfica in a single #UCL campaign:

⚽️⚽️ vs. Barcelona
⚽️⚽️ vs. Liverpool
⚽️ vs. Bayern
⚽️ vs. Ajax

Only European royalty. 👑 pic.twitter.com/9NDWisgcHb

— Squawka (@Squawka) April 13, 2022

Read more:

Click here to view our latest Premier League betting tips.

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This article was edited by
Ben Browning.

Chelsea headed into this week’s matchup at the Bernabeu looking to overturn a 3-1 deficit from the previous leg.

An uphill task to say the least, but on that Chelsea actually managed. Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tinkering worked wonders on the night and it was Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who Tuchel had instructed to drift into the centre of the pitch when Chelsea were in possession, that was crucial to the first goal – providing the pre-assist and dragging David Alaba out of position to allow Mason Mount a clear run at goal:

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That’s the perfect start for Chelsea! 🔥

A fortunate way through for Mason Mount, but there was nothing fortunate about the finish… 🎯

We’re down to a one-goal deficit! #UCL pic.twitter.com/O5uMYZlGTE

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 12, 2022

Chelsea then went on to add another two goals from Antonio Rudiger and Timo Werner.

However, in the end, despite being the worse team on the day, Madrid’s quality shone through and their world-class stars stepped up.

Firstly, Luka Modric played a simply sensational ball to substitute Rodrygo to bring the tie back on level terms. Then, in extra time, the in-form Karim Benzema got on the end of a Vinicius Junior cross to head home the winner.

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What Benzema wanted from Reece James

The man who should have been marking Vinicius tighter when he assisted Benzema was Reece James.

However, to James’ credit, that was his only laps of judgment on an otherwise great night for the Englishman.

So good was his display that James was even asked for his shirt by arguably the best player in the world right now, Karim Benzema.

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