The first two quarter-finals of the 2022 Champions League are smiling on the English. If Manchester City only exceeds Atletico Madrid by measure, Liverpool go to Lisbon 3-1 against a beautiful Benfica who in the first half is not there to recover in the second half where it scares the Reds even going close to par. For Salah and him the semifinal is mortgaged. Guardiola makes three changes to the City side that beat Burnley in the Premier League over the weekend. Stones, Mahrez and Bernardo Silva are back as owners, Aké keeps his place in the team.
First half without goals at the City of Manchester Stadium: the hosts take the reins of the match right from the start, but fail to build dangers at Oblak’s goal thanks to Atlético’s solid defensive phase. Spanish rearguard, however, which falls in the second half thanks to a goal by Kevin De Bruyne who decides the first leg of the quarter-finals of the Champions League, gaining a precious advantage in view of the return to Madrid.
Some surprises in the eleven chosen by Klopp, with Konaté preferred to Matip in defense, and Colombian Luis Díaz preferred to Diogo Jota forward. On the defensive right out Alexander-Arnold returns after three weeks of rest. Among the ranks of the Eagles space for the experience of Otamendi and Vertonghen at the center of the defense, with Gilberto and Grimaldo covering the flanks. Their play of position will be the key to stopping Liverpool’s virtuous offensive play. On the outside of midfield space for Rafa Silva and Everton. First fraction completely of the Reds brand, Klopp’s men in addition to goals from Konaté and Mané have at least three other clear chances to achieve. In the second 45 ‘Benfica looks like another team: the 2-1 goal comes immediately with Nunez. Then the Portuguese close to equal but in the final Liverpool restart closing the match at 3-1 signed by Luis Diaz and putting a serious mortgage on the road leading to the semifinals.