Liverpool set a new club record, winning eight straight away games across all competitions for the first time in the club’s history as they cruised to a 3-1 win against Benfica in the Champions League.
Sadio Mane’s goal and Ibrahima Konate’s header from Robertson’s cross put Liverpool ahead in the first half but Benfica capitalized on a sloppy start to the second half by the visitors, with Darwin Nunez netting his 20th goal in as many games to put the home side back in the game. Instead, with three minutes remaining, Diaz seized on a Naby Keita through ball to restore Liverpool’s two-goal advantage heading into the second leg at Anfield.
Manchester City on the other hand go into the second leg with a slender lead against Atletico Madrid. The Spanish Champions as expected, did not make things easy for the Blues. Diego Simeone’s side set up in a low block, limiting the English Champions to 6 shots all of which were off target. A moment of magic in the second half gave the Blues an advantage going into the second leg. Phil Foden, who had just come on made instant impact with his pass finding Kevin De Bruyne who beat Jan Oblak to score the goal.
Atletico for the first time since 2003 failed to register a single shot. Simeone had really taken his defensive tactics to a new level. De Bruyne after the game commented that it was his first time seeing a 5-5-0 formation.
The Champions League continues today with Villareal taking on Bayern and Chelsea facing Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge.