Liverpool win 5-3 on aggregate.
Reina
Johnson Carragher Kyrgiakos Agger
Lucas Mascherano
Kuyt Gerrard Benayoun
Torres
Goals:
Kuyt 27’
Lucas 34’
Torres 58’ 82’
Cardozo 70’
It may have taken a backs-against-the-wall European night, but we finally saw Liverpool at its best. They may have beaten lesser teams by bigger margins, but this was a perfect performance in which every player seemed at his peak against very good opposition.
For the first ten minutes, it looked as if Benfica were the home side, playing keep-away while threatening from a couple of set players. But Liverpool steadied for over the next 10 minutes, and struck with two excellent goals in subsequent 15. A perfect start to say the least.
It looked as if Liverpool would get another backhand from a referee when Kuyt’s carbon copy of his winner against Everton was initially ruled out for offside. Evidently, the linesman wrongly assumed Kyrgiakos got a touch on Gerrard’s corner. But Kuipers mercifully overruled, giving Liverpool the aggregate edge thanks to the same lovely rule that sent United packing yesterday.
And seven minutes later, Liverpool’s other scapegoat popped up. Predictably, I can’t express how happy I am for Lucas, and not solely because I frequently defend the player. Hell, I guessed he wouldn’t start today because I thought Liverpool needed more dynamic runs from midfield. Shows what I know.
Initially, I thought it was Torres that tallied the second. Gerrard’s perfect throughball split the defense, allowing Lucas to dash forward and round the keeper in a precise replication of the striker’s cool finishing. And nine minutes later, it was Lucas who prevented a leveler, clearing off the line after Sidnei dangerously centered a corner back across.
After this season’s multiple misfortunes, it would have no surprise to see Liverpool slowly retreat in the second half, protecting their narrow advantage. But the home side continued to press forward for a third. The open game certainly didn’t help the nerves, but the third came less than 13 minutes after the restart from a lightning counter attack. Of course it was Torres.
Liverpool charged out of their own half after Johnson cleared Martins’ free kick, ending with Benayoun spreading out wide to Kuyt open on the right. The pass looked a step too far for the Dutchman, but Kuyt’s diving center put it on a plate for Torres. Both the second and third goals were classic Liverpool, a quality that’s been missing far too often this season.
Liverpool had a stranglehold on the opposition until the 70th minute, with Carragher, Kyrgiakos, and Mascherano snuffing out absolutely everything, until Cardozo’s 20-yard free kick. In a dangerous position after a “foul” by Kuyt, the striker’s shot snuck under a leaping Gerrard, beating Reina. It might have been Liverpool’s first mistake of the game – as well as Cardozo's first real threat – but it certainly made the last 20 minutes look terribly frightening.
Another Cardozo free kick from the same position six minutes later sucked all the air out of Anfield, just curling wide and into the side netting. Di Maria’s subsequent corner nearly proved just as treacherous, but eluded Cardozo and other on-rushing attackers.
Unlike in all too many matches over the last eight months, Liverpool heads never dropped. The team rarely looked cautious or uncertain. What a difference something as simple as confidence makes. An injury to Julio Cesar, probably incurred battling with Kuyt on a corner, took the sting out of Benfica’s modest momentum, and that man Torres sealed the deal in the 82nd after another highlight-reel counter.
Lucas’ fantastic tackle went straight to Gerrard, who found Mascherano with one touch. Masch continued the quick movement, sumptuously chipping over the defense, putting Torres one-on-one with Moreira. Tough position to be in for your first shot on goal, and Torres made his chip over the keeper look effortless. Maybe 4-1 is a harsh scoreline, but Liverpool deserves every reward for today’s match.
You have to wryly smile at how unerring Benitez’s tactics were today. One good game against very good opposition doesn’t make up for the totality of this year’s disappointments, but you have to believe that this is exactly what Benitez hoped for and expected from this XI. It's about time.
For once, Lucas and Mascherano wasn’t a conservative pairing, evidenced by the lovely second goal brilliantly set-up by the captain. Kuyt tallied a goal and assist, with his pass to Torres much more difficult than it looked. Agger did very well on the left, although admittedly, he wasn’t challenged as often as I thought he’d be; Ramires is more a central midfielder than a right-winger, which fed into Agger’s proclivity to drift inside. Di Maria was kept quiet for long stretches, while both Aimar and Martins had far less influence than in the away leg, mostly due to Mascherano’s fearsome patrolling. Cardozo rarely had a sniff, marshaled by Carragher and Kyrgiakos. And, finally, Torres and Gerrard were Torres and Gerrard. The captain’s shown marked improvement in the last two matches, while Torres notched twice. Let’s hope he keeps that up against his old club in the next round, with a trip to Atletico imminent.
Again, it’s one game. But that truly was a great one.
Showing posts with label Benfica. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Benfica. Show all posts
08 April 2010
07 April 2010
Liverpool v Benfica 04.08.10
Benfica lead 2-1 on aggregate.
3:05pm ET, live in the US on GolTV. Which means more people get to see it, but no HD. Personally, I'd rather the HD, but I'm a jerk like that.
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 1-1 Brum (a); 1-2 Benfica (a); 3-0 Sunderland (h)
Benfica: 4-2 Naval (a); 2-1 Liverpool (h); 1-0 Braga (h)
Round of 16:
Liverpool: 3-0 Lille (h); 0-1 Lille (a)
Benfica: 2-1 Marseille (a); 1-1 Marseille (h)
Round of 32:
Liverpool: 3-1 Unirea (a); 1-0 Unirea (h)
Benfica: 4-0 Hertha (h); 1-1 Hertha (a)
Group Stage Results:
Liverpool: 1-2 Fiorentina (h); 1-0 Debrecen (a); 1-1 Lyon (a); 1-2 Lyon (h); 0-2 Fiorentina (a); 1-0 Debrecen (h)
Benfica: 2-1 AEK (h); 2-1 BATE (a); 2-0 Everton (a); 5-0 Everton (h); 0-1 AEK (a); 2-0 BATE (h) [Europa League]
Goalscorers (Europe):
Liverpool: Benayoun, Babel, Gerrard, Ngog, Torres 2; Agger, Kuyt, Mascherano 1
Benfica: Cardozo 9; Saviola 5; Di Maria 4; Maxi Pereira 2; Aimar, Coentrão, Javi García, Kardec, Luisão, Weldon 1
Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (NED)
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Johnson Kyrgiakos Agger Carragher
Mascherano
Kuyt Gerrard Aquilani Benayoun
Torres
Well, we’re getting to the point of the season where it’s easier to predict line-ups. Not only have we seen Benitez’s template in nearly every game, but suspensions also force Liverpool’s hands in this one. The questions are who’ll play at left back and whether Aquilani will start.
Carragher played a substantial amount of games at left back early in the decade. Agger played there once or twice in preseason (as did Johnson). As a right-footer, Carragher would be well placed to prevent Benfica’s right winger – whether it’s Ramires as usual or if Di Maria switches sides – from cutting in. In theory, Agger’s comfort on the ball and pace should stand out at left back, but we just haven’t seen him do it. While we’re all well aware Carra doesn’t fancy fullback much these days, I think he’s the more likely option solely because of experience. Safety first.
Of course, this could all be moot with Benitez hinting at a change in formation – using three centerbacks – in today’s press conference. But even if Liverpool use wingbacks or go 3-4-3 as at Sunderland, I still don’t know who’d play on the left. I don’t trust Benayoun to track back when there’s a fullback behind him. I really don’t trust him with three centerbacks, and Benfica can exploit the flanks with players like Di Maria.
That Aquilani came off the bench against Birmingham makes me think he’ll start tomorrow. The rumors of an ankle injury that’d end his campaign seem misplaced, and it looks as if Benitez is trying to kick-start his campaign by questioning his injury in the press and playing up his importance in games/seasons to come. Aquilani would give Liverpool far more in Benfica’s third, and his playing higher up the pitch – nearly on the same level as Gerrard – would allow Liverpool to press Benfica closer to their goal.
As often repeated since the match-up was made, Benfica is an exceptionally dangerous side, and will probably start the same XI as last week (Saviola is still injured). They won 4-2 at Naval on Easter Monday despite going two-down within 12 minutes; they’re now unbeaten in 27 games.
But, being at Anfield and needing to overturn a first-leg deficit, I’m still hoping Liverpool lines up as they did against Sunderland and Portsmouth, with far more impetus in going forward. There’s a bit of a difference between Pompey and Benfica, but Liverpool should attack early and often regardless. The away goal tallied last week is a huge benefit – 1-0 will win the tie, which might lead to Liverpool’s usual European style, but the psychological advantage of attacking without fear can’t be overemphasized.
The obvious fear is getting cut apart on the counter, especially through Cardozo and Di Maria. It’ll be a massive match for Mascherano, while both Kuyt and Benayoun will have to do a bit of tracking back (I’m looking at you, Yossi…). I don’t expect either Carragher or Agger – whomever’s at left back – to bomb forward very often. But Liverpool must go for it. Before, yet again, it’s too late.
3:05pm ET, live in the US on GolTV. Which means more people get to see it, but no HD. Personally, I'd rather the HD, but I'm a jerk like that.
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 1-1 Brum (a); 1-2 Benfica (a); 3-0 Sunderland (h)
Benfica: 4-2 Naval (a); 2-1 Liverpool (h); 1-0 Braga (h)
Round of 16:
Liverpool: 3-0 Lille (h); 0-1 Lille (a)
Benfica: 2-1 Marseille (a); 1-1 Marseille (h)
Round of 32:
Liverpool: 3-1 Unirea (a); 1-0 Unirea (h)
Benfica: 4-0 Hertha (h); 1-1 Hertha (a)
Group Stage Results:
Liverpool: 1-2 Fiorentina (h); 1-0 Debrecen (a); 1-1 Lyon (a); 1-2 Lyon (h); 0-2 Fiorentina (a); 1-0 Debrecen (h)
Benfica: 2-1 AEK (h); 2-1 BATE (a); 2-0 Everton (a); 5-0 Everton (h); 0-1 AEK (a); 2-0 BATE (h) [Europa League]
Goalscorers (Europe):
Liverpool: Benayoun, Babel, Gerrard, Ngog, Torres 2; Agger, Kuyt, Mascherano 1
Benfica: Cardozo 9; Saviola 5; Di Maria 4; Maxi Pereira 2; Aimar, Coentrão, Javi García, Kardec, Luisão, Weldon 1
Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (NED)
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Johnson Kyrgiakos Agger Carragher
Mascherano
Kuyt Gerrard Aquilani Benayoun
Torres
Well, we’re getting to the point of the season where it’s easier to predict line-ups. Not only have we seen Benitez’s template in nearly every game, but suspensions also force Liverpool’s hands in this one. The questions are who’ll play at left back and whether Aquilani will start.
Carragher played a substantial amount of games at left back early in the decade. Agger played there once or twice in preseason (as did Johnson). As a right-footer, Carragher would be well placed to prevent Benfica’s right winger – whether it’s Ramires as usual or if Di Maria switches sides – from cutting in. In theory, Agger’s comfort on the ball and pace should stand out at left back, but we just haven’t seen him do it. While we’re all well aware Carra doesn’t fancy fullback much these days, I think he’s the more likely option solely because of experience. Safety first.
Of course, this could all be moot with Benitez hinting at a change in formation – using three centerbacks – in today’s press conference. But even if Liverpool use wingbacks or go 3-4-3 as at Sunderland, I still don’t know who’d play on the left. I don’t trust Benayoun to track back when there’s a fullback behind him. I really don’t trust him with three centerbacks, and Benfica can exploit the flanks with players like Di Maria.
That Aquilani came off the bench against Birmingham makes me think he’ll start tomorrow. The rumors of an ankle injury that’d end his campaign seem misplaced, and it looks as if Benitez is trying to kick-start his campaign by questioning his injury in the press and playing up his importance in games/seasons to come. Aquilani would give Liverpool far more in Benfica’s third, and his playing higher up the pitch – nearly on the same level as Gerrard – would allow Liverpool to press Benfica closer to their goal.
As often repeated since the match-up was made, Benfica is an exceptionally dangerous side, and will probably start the same XI as last week (Saviola is still injured). They won 4-2 at Naval on Easter Monday despite going two-down within 12 minutes; they’re now unbeaten in 27 games.
But, being at Anfield and needing to overturn a first-leg deficit, I’m still hoping Liverpool lines up as they did against Sunderland and Portsmouth, with far more impetus in going forward. There’s a bit of a difference between Pompey and Benfica, but Liverpool should attack early and often regardless. The away goal tallied last week is a huge benefit – 1-0 will win the tie, which might lead to Liverpool’s usual European style, but the psychological advantage of attacking without fear can’t be overemphasized.
The obvious fear is getting cut apart on the counter, especially through Cardozo and Di Maria. It’ll be a massive match for Mascherano, while both Kuyt and Benayoun will have to do a bit of tracking back (I’m looking at you, Yossi…). I don’t expect either Carragher or Agger – whomever’s at left back – to bomb forward very often. But Liverpool must go for it. Before, yet again, it’s too late.
01 April 2010
Liverpool 1-2 Benfica
Reina
Johnson Carragher Agger Insua
Lucas Mascherano
Kuyt Gerrard Babel
Torres
Goals:
Agger 9’
Cardozo 59’ (pen) 79’ (pen)
The bad fan I am, I would have taken 1-2 before the match with the teams’ respective home and away forms, but that left an absolutely awful, awful taste in the mouth. Evidently the referee wasn’t aware that April Fools’ Day doesn’t mean that he has to act the fool. Even if there were no complaints on either spot kick, “home refereeing” is the nicest way to put it after a farcical first half.
And it’s made even worse because Liverpool had the perfect start, controlling the tempo, blunting Benfica, and scoring an early away goal. And it was a goal remarkably similar to Liverpool’s early strike against Chelsea in the Champions League three years ago, with Gerrard cheekily centering a free kick for an on-rushing Agger to side-foot. The only difference was the strike was ten yards closer, after the captain smartly won a free kick trying to barge into the box from the left.
Benfica responded well, often through the dangerous Di Maria down Liverpool’s right and the impressive Carlos Martins dictating midfield play in the absence of Saviola (with Aimar further forward). The home side had chances to level, mainly through Cardozo headers off-target or too close to Reina, unsurprisingly from Di Maria’s crosses.
To frustratingly continue the analogy with past Chelsea meetings, Babel's sending off was eerily reminiscent of Reina’s for tapping Arjen Robben, and predictably changed the game. Only this time, there was even less of an excuse given Luisao’s provocation. Just like all the other teams this season, Benfica shamelessly thought the best way to beat Liverpool was to hack Torres, and on the half-hour mark, Luisao scythed the back of his ankle with no thoughts for the ball. Somehow he only received a yellow for the horror show.
Babel rightfully decided to defend his teammate, but foolishly put his hands to Luisao’s face twice in front of the referee. If it’s the Prem, Babel probably gets yellow and/or a stern lecture (unless it’s Alan Wiley, obviously), but in Europe’s he off. How Luisao stayed on the field for the tackle, let alone his part in the handbags, is beyond me though. Once again, Torres was kicked up and down the pitch while a referee smirked stupidly. Infuriating.
The red card made Liverpool’s pressing game and defensive steel even more necessary, shifting to a 4-2-2-1 after the red card, with Gerrard wider left and Lucas trying to join the attack when possible. That was always going to be a tough ask with Benfica’s attacking prowess. They impressively held out for the rest of the half, with Benfica limited to shots wide from Di Maria and Garcia. And Torres looked to have added a surprising second, slamming in after Julio Cesar punched Gerrard’s free kick, only to see Kuyt marginally ruled offside in the build-up.
But the second half was all Benfica’s, and less than 15 minutes, Cardozo nearly scored when slamming a free kick off the post, only to see Insua – who had a dreadful day – rashly foul Aimar in the subsequent scramble. Sigh. After all the misses with his head, the striker made no mistake from the spot.
Liverpool actually looked stronger after the equalizer, slowing the Benfica attacks and prompting Jorge Jesus to send on striker Nuno Gomes for right back Maxi Pereira. But Liverpool should have taken the lead in the 76th with a chance you would have put your life on Torres scoring. Quickly breaking from defense, Kuyt found Torres with a perfect throughball, only to see the striker shoot wide of the near post in space.
Pessimism and kicks to the crotch soon re-reared their heads as Benfica won another penalty three minutes later when Carragher dove in, arms raised, to stop Di Maria’s cross. Same taker, same side, same result. 1-2, and felt undeserved to say the least.
But at least Liverpool didn’t concede a third during a dangerous last 15 minutes with players on both sides clearly tiring. Benfica will obviously be happy with a win, but 1-2 isn’t the worst result for Liverpool either. The away goal certainly helps mute the anger over other matters.
There were two bad mistakes for the penalties, but all in all, Liverpool played as they wanted to play. Clearly hampered by a harsh red card, the side was under far more pressure without a key release valve. Insua’s going to come under a lot of criticism for today’s performance, and he had a stinker, but I still feel compelled to remind he’s 21, had the winger in front of him sent off, and wouldn’t be first choice if Aurelio could stay fit. I’m interested to see what Liverpool will do in the next leg as he picked up an earlier yellow that rules him out of the next leg.
For the second-straight round, Liverpool has it all to do in the home match. A resilient performance in the face of a weak referee and a hostile atmosphere (including two stoppages for fireworks thrown at Reina’s goal. Classy.), means Liverpool only has a one-goal deficit to overturn, with the added advantage of an away goal. They’ll need to win as well as keep it tight, so it’ll probably look a lot like today (except for Babel and Insua’s suspensions). Which should at least make for a fun match for the neutrals, if a nail-biter for the rest of us.
Johnson Carragher Agger Insua
Lucas Mascherano
Kuyt Gerrard Babel
Torres
Goals:
Agger 9’
Cardozo 59’ (pen) 79’ (pen)
The bad fan I am, I would have taken 1-2 before the match with the teams’ respective home and away forms, but that left an absolutely awful, awful taste in the mouth. Evidently the referee wasn’t aware that April Fools’ Day doesn’t mean that he has to act the fool. Even if there were no complaints on either spot kick, “home refereeing” is the nicest way to put it after a farcical first half.
And it’s made even worse because Liverpool had the perfect start, controlling the tempo, blunting Benfica, and scoring an early away goal. And it was a goal remarkably similar to Liverpool’s early strike against Chelsea in the Champions League three years ago, with Gerrard cheekily centering a free kick for an on-rushing Agger to side-foot. The only difference was the strike was ten yards closer, after the captain smartly won a free kick trying to barge into the box from the left.
Benfica responded well, often through the dangerous Di Maria down Liverpool’s right and the impressive Carlos Martins dictating midfield play in the absence of Saviola (with Aimar further forward). The home side had chances to level, mainly through Cardozo headers off-target or too close to Reina, unsurprisingly from Di Maria’s crosses.
To frustratingly continue the analogy with past Chelsea meetings, Babel's sending off was eerily reminiscent of Reina’s for tapping Arjen Robben, and predictably changed the game. Only this time, there was even less of an excuse given Luisao’s provocation. Just like all the other teams this season, Benfica shamelessly thought the best way to beat Liverpool was to hack Torres, and on the half-hour mark, Luisao scythed the back of his ankle with no thoughts for the ball. Somehow he only received a yellow for the horror show.
Babel rightfully decided to defend his teammate, but foolishly put his hands to Luisao’s face twice in front of the referee. If it’s the Prem, Babel probably gets yellow and/or a stern lecture (unless it’s Alan Wiley, obviously), but in Europe’s he off. How Luisao stayed on the field for the tackle, let alone his part in the handbags, is beyond me though. Once again, Torres was kicked up and down the pitch while a referee smirked stupidly. Infuriating.
The red card made Liverpool’s pressing game and defensive steel even more necessary, shifting to a 4-2-2-1 after the red card, with Gerrard wider left and Lucas trying to join the attack when possible. That was always going to be a tough ask with Benfica’s attacking prowess. They impressively held out for the rest of the half, with Benfica limited to shots wide from Di Maria and Garcia. And Torres looked to have added a surprising second, slamming in after Julio Cesar punched Gerrard’s free kick, only to see Kuyt marginally ruled offside in the build-up.
But the second half was all Benfica’s, and less than 15 minutes, Cardozo nearly scored when slamming a free kick off the post, only to see Insua – who had a dreadful day – rashly foul Aimar in the subsequent scramble. Sigh. After all the misses with his head, the striker made no mistake from the spot.
Liverpool actually looked stronger after the equalizer, slowing the Benfica attacks and prompting Jorge Jesus to send on striker Nuno Gomes for right back Maxi Pereira. But Liverpool should have taken the lead in the 76th with a chance you would have put your life on Torres scoring. Quickly breaking from defense, Kuyt found Torres with a perfect throughball, only to see the striker shoot wide of the near post in space.
Pessimism and kicks to the crotch soon re-reared their heads as Benfica won another penalty three minutes later when Carragher dove in, arms raised, to stop Di Maria’s cross. Same taker, same side, same result. 1-2, and felt undeserved to say the least.
But at least Liverpool didn’t concede a third during a dangerous last 15 minutes with players on both sides clearly tiring. Benfica will obviously be happy with a win, but 1-2 isn’t the worst result for Liverpool either. The away goal certainly helps mute the anger over other matters.
There were two bad mistakes for the penalties, but all in all, Liverpool played as they wanted to play. Clearly hampered by a harsh red card, the side was under far more pressure without a key release valve. Insua’s going to come under a lot of criticism for today’s performance, and he had a stinker, but I still feel compelled to remind he’s 21, had the winger in front of him sent off, and wouldn’t be first choice if Aurelio could stay fit. I’m interested to see what Liverpool will do in the next leg as he picked up an earlier yellow that rules him out of the next leg.
For the second-straight round, Liverpool has it all to do in the home match. A resilient performance in the face of a weak referee and a hostile atmosphere (including two stoppages for fireworks thrown at Reina’s goal. Classy.), means Liverpool only has a one-goal deficit to overturn, with the added advantage of an away goal. They’ll need to win as well as keep it tight, so it’ll probably look a lot like today (except for Babel and Insua’s suspensions). Which should at least make for a fun match for the neutrals, if a nail-biter for the rest of us.
31 March 2010
Liverpool at Benfica 04.01.10
3:05pm ET, live in the US on DirecTV channel 462 (or in HD on 462-1). Delayed on GolTV at 8pm.
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 3-0 Sunderland (h); 1-2 United (a); 3-0 Lille (h)
Benfica: 1-0 Braga (h); 3-0 Porto (n); 2-1 Marseille (a)
Round of 16:
Liverpool: 3-0 Lille (h); 0-1 Lille (a)
Benfica: 2-1 Marseille (a); 1-1 Marseille (h)
Round of 32:
Liverpool: 3-1 Unirea (a); 1-0 Unirea (h)
Benfica: 4-0 Hertha (h); 1-1 Hertha (a)
Group Stage Results:
Liverpool: 1-2 Fiorentina (h); 1-0 Debrecen (a); 1-1 Lyon (a); 1-2 Lyon (h); 0-2 Fiorentina (a); 1-0 Debrecen (h)
Benfica: 2-1 AEK (h); 2-1 BATE (a); 2-0 Everton (a); 5-0 Everton (h); 0-1 AEK (a); 2-0 BATE (h) [Europa League]
Goalscorers (Europe):
Liverpool: Benayoun, Babel, Gerrard, Ngog, Torres 2; Kuyt, Mascherano 1
Benfica: Cardozo 7; Saviola 5; Di Maria 4; Maxi Pereira 2; Aimar, Coentrão, Javi García, Kardec, Luisão, Weldon 1
Referee: Jones Eriksson (SWE)
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Johnson Carragher Agger Insua
Lucas Mascherano
Kuyt Gerrard Babel
Torres
This will assuredly be a typical European encounter. Away from home, Liverpool will try to control the tempo and contain Benfica, and hopefully make a break-through on the counter, spearheaded by the sparkling Torres.
For all those who want to see Liverpool as expansive and attack-minded as against Sunderland or Pompey, my reply is simple. Are you insane? If Benitez has earned any amount of trust, it’s in European competition, and memorable nights in Turin, London, Milan, and Madrid happened because of Rafa’s ‘conservatism.’ It’s even more crucial that Liverpool keep it tight with the first leg in Portugal.
It’s risk versus reward. And Benfica, who’ve scored more than 100 goals so far this season while conceding less than 10 at home in all competitions, pose more risk than any side Liverpool’s faced in either the CL or Europa League this season. Benitez will set up shop exactly as he did four years ago, when Benfica knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League in the round of 16, when Liverpool were defending champions. Let’s hope it turns out differently this time.
The only spot that seems up for grabs is left midfield – Babel or Benayoun. Yossi was seemingly rested on Sunday with an eye on tomorrow, but I’ve written more than enough words on why I’d like to see Babel continue to get chances.
The Aquilani brigade are set for another disappointment, with the Italian midfielder again ruled out, this time with an ankle injury (the same ankle that kept him out all autumn). Niggling injuries like these are exactly why he hasn’t featured as much as we’d all like – he’s just not fit yet, even after all this time.
The official site also has an instructive interview with Portuguese journalist Luis Pedro Ferreira:
Well then. Di Maria, Saviola, Cardozo, Aimar, Ramires, just to name a few. I again refer you to Zonal Marking’s article titled “Benfica – the most attractive side in Europe?” Simply put, Benfica are a team that can and will punish you. They lead their league by six points, with 20 more goals than their closest competitor. They haven’t lost in 2010. And they have a full squad available, with no injuries to speak of. At the least, Rafa’s familiar with a number of their players, so Liverpool should be well aware of the dangers posed.
I really do think the key is to keep it tight. I’d be surprised if there are more than two goals combined in this game, despite the firepower. Liverpool will play for 1-0 or 0-0, and hope not to have more than a goal deficit to overturn at Anfield.
It’s worked before, against tougher opposition, and with Liverpool in worse form.
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 3-0 Sunderland (h); 1-2 United (a); 3-0 Lille (h)
Benfica: 1-0 Braga (h); 3-0 Porto (n); 2-1 Marseille (a)
Round of 16:
Liverpool: 3-0 Lille (h); 0-1 Lille (a)
Benfica: 2-1 Marseille (a); 1-1 Marseille (h)
Round of 32:
Liverpool: 3-1 Unirea (a); 1-0 Unirea (h)
Benfica: 4-0 Hertha (h); 1-1 Hertha (a)
Group Stage Results:
Liverpool: 1-2 Fiorentina (h); 1-0 Debrecen (a); 1-1 Lyon (a); 1-2 Lyon (h); 0-2 Fiorentina (a); 1-0 Debrecen (h)
Benfica: 2-1 AEK (h); 2-1 BATE (a); 2-0 Everton (a); 5-0 Everton (h); 0-1 AEK (a); 2-0 BATE (h) [Europa League]
Goalscorers (Europe):
Liverpool: Benayoun, Babel, Gerrard, Ngog, Torres 2; Kuyt, Mascherano 1
Benfica: Cardozo 7; Saviola 5; Di Maria 4; Maxi Pereira 2; Aimar, Coentrão, Javi García, Kardec, Luisão, Weldon 1
Referee: Jones Eriksson (SWE)
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Johnson Carragher Agger Insua
Lucas Mascherano
Kuyt Gerrard Babel
Torres
This will assuredly be a typical European encounter. Away from home, Liverpool will try to control the tempo and contain Benfica, and hopefully make a break-through on the counter, spearheaded by the sparkling Torres.
For all those who want to see Liverpool as expansive and attack-minded as against Sunderland or Pompey, my reply is simple. Are you insane? If Benitez has earned any amount of trust, it’s in European competition, and memorable nights in Turin, London, Milan, and Madrid happened because of Rafa’s ‘conservatism.’ It’s even more crucial that Liverpool keep it tight with the first leg in Portugal.
It’s risk versus reward. And Benfica, who’ve scored more than 100 goals so far this season while conceding less than 10 at home in all competitions, pose more risk than any side Liverpool’s faced in either the CL or Europa League this season. Benitez will set up shop exactly as he did four years ago, when Benfica knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League in the round of 16, when Liverpool were defending champions. Let’s hope it turns out differently this time.
The only spot that seems up for grabs is left midfield – Babel or Benayoun. Yossi was seemingly rested on Sunday with an eye on tomorrow, but I’ve written more than enough words on why I’d like to see Babel continue to get chances.
The Aquilani brigade are set for another disappointment, with the Italian midfielder again ruled out, this time with an ankle injury (the same ankle that kept him out all autumn). Niggling injuries like these are exactly why he hasn’t featured as much as we’d all like – he’s just not fit yet, even after all this time.
The official site also has an instructive interview with Portuguese journalist Luis Pedro Ferreira:
“Benfica are having their best season in 16 years and it's no coincidence they have scored 104 goals in official matches in 2009-10.”
Well then. Di Maria, Saviola, Cardozo, Aimar, Ramires, just to name a few. I again refer you to Zonal Marking’s article titled “Benfica – the most attractive side in Europe?” Simply put, Benfica are a team that can and will punish you. They lead their league by six points, with 20 more goals than their closest competitor. They haven’t lost in 2010. And they have a full squad available, with no injuries to speak of. At the least, Rafa’s familiar with a number of their players, so Liverpool should be well aware of the dangers posed.
I really do think the key is to keep it tight. I’d be surprised if there are more than two goals combined in this game, despite the firepower. Liverpool will play for 1-0 or 0-0, and hope not to have more than a goal deficit to overturn at Anfield.
It’s worked before, against tougher opposition, and with Liverpool in worse form.
19 March 2010
Europa League QF/SF Draw
Benfica/Liverpool v Valencia/Atletico
Hamburg/Standard Liege v Fulham/Wolfsburg
Payback time for Champions League '05-06. That'll do, especially since I was convinced Liverpool would face Atletico or Valencia. We'll have to wait for the semis for that one, if Liverpool can replicate yesterday's result.
Could be worse, but could be a lot easier as well. Liverpool's side of the bracket looks far more ferocious. Angel Di Maria is one of the hottest wingers in the world. Pablo Aimar, whom Benitez knows well, is a perpetual danger. Oscar Cardozo is a dangerous striker and free kick specialist. Ramires is a beast of a midfielder. This article, from Zonal Marking (which absolutely everyone should be reading), makes me even more nervous.
I saw most of the Marseille/Benfica match yesterday, and I was massively impressed with Benfica's late fight back. Even though Marseille scored first, in the 70th at home and with an away goal advantage, only one team looked like winning, and Benfica did so with two goals in the last 15 minutes.
And then, if Liverpool manage to go through, there'll be Atletico or Valencia, with Kun Aguero or David Villa waiting in the wings. Of course, the year Liverpool drops to the Europa League, it's absolutely stacked.
At least Liverpool is at Anfield for the second leg in both the quarters and semis (again, if Liverpool advance). The QFs take place 4/1 and 4/8.
For shits and giggles, here's the CL Draw as well:
Inter/CSKA Moscow v Arsenal/Barcelona
Bayern/Man United v Lyon/Bordeaux
Lovely. Another year where the Mancs get a yellow brick road to the Finals. Probably the only English team happy with their draw. Grrr. Naturally, I blame Platini.
Hamburg/Standard Liege v Fulham/Wolfsburg
Payback time for Champions League '05-06. That'll do, especially since I was convinced Liverpool would face Atletico or Valencia. We'll have to wait for the semis for that one, if Liverpool can replicate yesterday's result.
Could be worse, but could be a lot easier as well. Liverpool's side of the bracket looks far more ferocious. Angel Di Maria is one of the hottest wingers in the world. Pablo Aimar, whom Benitez knows well, is a perpetual danger. Oscar Cardozo is a dangerous striker and free kick specialist. Ramires is a beast of a midfielder. This article, from Zonal Marking (which absolutely everyone should be reading), makes me even more nervous.
I saw most of the Marseille/Benfica match yesterday, and I was massively impressed with Benfica's late fight back. Even though Marseille scored first, in the 70th at home and with an away goal advantage, only one team looked like winning, and Benfica did so with two goals in the last 15 minutes.
And then, if Liverpool manage to go through, there'll be Atletico or Valencia, with Kun Aguero or David Villa waiting in the wings. Of course, the year Liverpool drops to the Europa League, it's absolutely stacked.
At least Liverpool is at Anfield for the second leg in both the quarters and semis (again, if Liverpool advance). The QFs take place 4/1 and 4/8.
For shits and giggles, here's the CL Draw as well:
Inter/CSKA Moscow v Arsenal/Barcelona
Bayern/Man United v Lyon/Bordeaux
Lovely. Another year where the Mancs get a yellow brick road to the Finals. Probably the only English team happy with their draw. Grrr. Naturally, I blame Platini.
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