Liverpool overcame a shaky start to progress into the semi-final of the Europa League with a 4-1 win over Benfica at Anfield. An opening 15 minutes saw a shaky Liverpool have to defend desperately against an attack minded Benfica who looked comfortable on the ball.
The Reds lacked rhythm whilst the visitor's settled more quickly and it was all the more surprising that Liverpool opened the scoring on 26 minutes in somewhat bizarre fashion.
Steven Gerrard's corner was headed home from close range by Dirk Kuyt only for the linesman to initially flag for offside.
The Liverpool player's protested to the Dutch referee whilst boss Rafa Benitez berated the fourth official.
Bjorn Kuipers overruled his assistant and allowed the goal to stand after confusion reigned.
The Merseyside outfit took heart from this and doubled their lead seven minutes later.
Gerrard played in Lucas who raced clear, took the around keeper Julio Cesar and poked the ball home.
But Benfica are not the highest scoring side left in the competition for no reason and Oscar Cardozo hit a free kick straight at Pepe Reina, then Sidnei fired across the face of goal.
The Portuguese team came out all guns blazing at the start of the second half but it was Liverpool who scored again with a classic counter attack.
Four passes from their own penalty area ended with Kuyt finding Fernando Torres who stroked the ball home.
But with away goals in Benfica's favour the Portuguese knew they were still in the game if they scored twice.
And Cardozo with his 32nd goal of the season, a direct free kick, give them hope and caused the jitters within the Liverpool ranks.
The Paraguayan hit-man almost repeated his feat moments later but the Reds wall held firm.
Torres then settled the nerves around Anfield with nine minutes remaining, racing clear to chip over substitute keeper Moreira.
"Four goals was good but we played against a good team and we had to work hard," Benitez told
"They had some strengths and weaknesses and we took advantage of their weaknesses.
"The third goal was special for the determination the players showed in wanting to score.
"It was difficult at the beginning as they pressed high but once we adjusted to their pace and movement we improved and it was much better."
The Reds will now meet Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals.
