Topics: UEFA Champions League, Benfica, Liverpool, Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz, Ibrahima Konate
Goals from Ibrahima Konate, Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz gave Liverpool one foot in the semi-finals in a 3-1 victory over Benfica

Liverpool have a foot in the semifinals of this season's UEFA Champions League after defeating Benfica in the first leg of their quarterfinal tie on Wednesday night. The Reds secured an emphatic 3-1 in Lisbon and managed to land a number of records in the process. Ibrahim Konate scored the game's first goal, and Sadio Mane added a second before halftime.

Darwin Nunez then capitalised on defensive howler by Konate to pull one back in the early minutes of the second half, setting the tone for a potential comeback for the hosts. However, that dream was dashed with former FC Porto star Luiz Diaz giving the Premier League side a two-goal cushion on his return to Portugal.

Liverpool's dominant display has handed them the needed advantage ahead of the second-leg clash at Anfield next week. A favorable outcome will see the Reds featuring in their first Champions League semi-final since winning the trophy in the 2018/2019 season, with their quest for a historic quadruple still intact.

Below are some of the interesting milestones landed during Tuesday night's win:

  • Tuesday's meeting was the 11th between Liverpool and Benfica in European competition - no side have the Reds have faced more in Europe than the Portuguese giants (also 11 v Chelsea).

  • Liverpool have won eight consecutive away matches in all competitions for the first time in their history. Powerhouse.

  • Liverpool are one win away from a record-equalling 12th Champions League/European Cup semi-final, which would tie Manchester United's current record for an English club in the competition.

  • Sadio Mane surpassed Steven Gerrard's record of 21 Champions League goals for Liverpool, scoring his 22nd for the Reds in the win over Benfica. 

  • Following Ibrahima Konate's goal, Liverpool have had 20 different goalscorers in all competitions this season, more than any other Premier League side.