Liverpool FC had more of the game in the early stages at Benfica. The “Reds” rewarded themselves with a header hit in the 17th minute. Konaté scored his first competitive goal for Jürgen Klopp’s team. Sadio Mane followed up in the 34th minute. Benfica’s offensive power only flared up in places at the Estádio da Luz – for example in the 23rd minute when Everton fired wide of the left post from the penalty area. Mohamed Salah missed the chance to make it 3-0 just before the break, but after the restart Konaté blundered and invited Darwin Nunez (49′) in, who reduced the deficit to 1-2 from close range.
As a result, Benfica tried everything in the forward movement. 60 minutes were up when away goalkeeper Alisson had to make a save to deflect an Everton shot. After goalscorer Nunez went down in the 67th minute after a tackle in the penalty area, the referee allowed play to continue. Liverpool then regained the upper hand. Luis Diaz (82′) initially had no luck with a technically difficult volley, but after a through ball from Naby Keita the Colombian rounded Odysseas Vlachodimos and shot in the 87th minute to make it 3-1. In injury time, the Greek goalie had to intervene again.
English champions Manchester City and Atlético remained goalless in their first European Cup clash before the break. A Kevin de Bruyne free-kick in the 56th minute, which goalkeeper Jan Oblak scraped out of the bottom right corner, was the best opportunity for coach Pep Guardiola’s side.
De Bryune then had his goal 14 minutes later after substitute Phil Foden set the Belgian up perfectly with a pass through Reinildo Mandava’s legs. Another De Bruyne attempt went unrewarded in the 73rd minute because a leg got in the way in front of the goal.
