Written by Lewis Thompson – @LewisGThompson
The Reds started the week with another two very important fixtures in their April schedule. Benfica would travel to Anfield to decide who would be playing in the Champions League semi-finals, then, another trip to Wembley for Liverpool this season as they faced Man City in the FA Cup with the winner progressing into the final. A big week with plenty to play for.
Monday 11th
To kick off the week everyone at LFC wished Thiago Alcantara a Happy Birthday as the Spaniard turned 31 years old on this day. Thiago now has over 50 appearances for the Reds and has been a crucial part of Liverpool’s midfield this season.
Liverpool under 23s put four goals past Blackpool to secure their place in the Lancashire FA Senior Cup final.
Tuesday 12th
The Reds got back into training ahead of their second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Benfica.
Wednesday 13th
It was matchday as another big European night awaited Jurgen Klopp and his men.
The Reds also celebrated the birth of Welsh youngster Neco Williams. The 21-year-old is currently enjoying a loan spell to first placed Championship club Fulham, who looks to be playing Premier League football next season.
Klopp went with a slightly weaker team for the encounter. Alisson started between the sticks, the back four consisted of Gomez, Matip, Konate and Tsimikas, ahead of them was a midfield three of Henderson, Milner and Keita and Firmino, Jota and Diaz made up the front three.
Goals from Konate and Goncalo Ramos meant both teams ended the first half with a goal each.
An action-packed second half consisted of four goals. A Firmino brace made it 3-1 to Liverpool with 25 minutes left to play, however, Benfica didn’t stop and goals from Yaremchuk and Darwin Nunez earned the Portuguese side a well-deserved draw at Anfield. Full time Liverpool 3-3 Benfica.
The final 6-4 aggregate scoreline meant Liverpool progressed into the Champions League semi-finals, where they will play Spanish side Villarreal after they knocked out Bayern Munich! A job well done for Klopp and the Reds and another Champions League semi-final under Jurgen Klopp!
Tsimikas was awarded the Man of the Match for his excellent performance getting himself two assists on the night.
Liverpool will play Villarreal on Wednesday 27th April at Anfield with the return leg being played on Tuesday 3rd May at the Estadio de la Ceramica.
Thursday 14th
Kostas Tsimikas and Roberto Firmino were both shortlisted for UEFA Champions League awards. Kostas for UCL Player of the Week and Bobby for UCL Goal of the Week.
Liverpool U18s were defeated 3-1 by Manchester City in the U18 Premier League.
Friday 15th
It was a sad day for Liverpool Football Club and everyone affected by the Hillsborough disaster as we remembered the 97 fans, we lost that day. You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Players and staff observed a minute’s silence beside the Hillsborough memorial at the AXA Training Centre to pay their respects to those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
Saturday 16th
Another matchday day for the Reds at Wembley as Man City stood in their way of a possible FA Cup final.
The same day also recognised the birth of former manager Rafa Benitez. The Spaniard turned 62 on this day.
As many were rested against Benfica, Klopp went back to a full-strength starting eleven. Alisson remained in nets, Trent, Konate, Van Dijk and Robertson made up the back four, a midfield three of Fabinho, Thiago and Keita started behind a front three consisting of Mane, Salah and Diaz.
Another header from Konate and a brace for Sadio Mane handed Liverpool a 3-0 lead at halftime, in what arguably was one of the best first-half performances I have ever seen under Jurgen Klopp.
City hit back in the second half, goals from Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva added a little bit of nerves to the end of the match. However, it wasn’t enough as Liverpool progressed into the final of the FA Cup for the first time since 2012. Full time Liverpool 3-2 Man City.
Sadio Mane was awarded the Player of the Match for his excellent performance and two goals.
Liverpool will be back at Wembley to play Chelsea on the 14th of May to decide the winner of the FA Cup.
An excellent display of quality at Wembley and all in all a fantastic performance from Liverpool.
Another great week for the Reds. Champions League semi-finalists and FA Cup finalists, you couldn’t ask for anything better. The quadruple is still on … Next up for Liverpool are two Premier League games at Anfield. The first vs Manchester United tomorrow at eight o’clock, then we face Everton on Sunday. The big games just keep on coming and I absolutely love it!
Written by Lewis Thompson – @LewisGThompson
