Observations: A Fun Little Kickaround
Well that was a bit of a lark, wasn't it? Liverpool made through to the semi-finals of the Champions League after an exciting 3-3 draw at Anfield with Benfica to finish 6-4 on aggregate. Jurgen Klopp named a heavily rotated side, and at times it definitely showed. After the match, the gaffer explained that he'd made a last minute decision to change the back line, so this 4, who'd never played a competitive match together, had 20 minutes to figure …
Liverpool 3 - 3 Benfica - The Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 7.0
Always great to see his commanding presence on big nights at Anfield. Would have been relieved to see a brilliant chipped goal by Nunez chalked off for offside. 31 minutes saw a clinical finish fly past him, as Benfica drove on. His handling was assured, as Benfica started to test from wide positions after the break. Was unlucky in the one-on-one for Benfica’s second goal. The melee at the end couldn’t dampen the occasion.
Joe Gomez …
Observations: Against Benfica, the real Naby Keita stood up
In a recent interview, Naby Keita said 'I don't believe we've seen the real Naby Keita just yet. I've had quite a few injuries & I'm trying to get back to full form & fitness. Recently I've felt 100%. It's my aim to try and establish myself and be seen in the world of football either this season or the next.' Well Naby lad, if you wanted to be seen, then tonight you did everything right to make it happen. …
Benfica 1 - 3 Liverpool - The Player Ratings
Benfica 1 - 3 Liverpool - The Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 7.5
A relative spectator in the first half, with only a couple of minor chances created. Was a lot busier after the break, as the home sides ramped up their efforts. Could do nothing for the goal conceded, and was assured as Liverpool weathered the storm.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 7.5
Looked confident from the off, with a willingness to show strength at both ends of the field. 34 minutes …
Euro Incision: The Perfect Champions League Draw
It was Nina and regular Euro Incision podcast guest, Themis Kessaris, on this edition of the show. The obvious topic of conversation was last week's Champions League draw for the last eight, the semi-final's and even which team would be classified as the 'home' team in the final.
Themis was particularly delighted with the outcome, and when questioned about how he would rate the draw by Nina at the start of the pod, his answer was emphatic!
The possible scenario …