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    Benfica 1 Liverpool 3: Diaz, Mane and Konate put Reds in pole position for Champions League semis despite Nunez strike

    IN a brilliant spell at the Stadium of Light, Jurgen Klopp’s team made things look so easy you would have thought they were playing Sunderland.They led 2-0 with goals from Ibrahima Konate and Sadio Mane and were in total control.
    Liverpool put one foot in the Champions League semis with a 3-1 win at BenficaCredit: Getty
    Goals from Ibrahima Konate, Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz sealed victory in PortugalCredit: Getty
    The only variable was whether Liverpool were going to play Villarreal or Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.
    After making life difficult for themselves by gifting Benfica’s Darwin Nunez a goal, Luis Diaz scored at the very end to restore a two-goal advantage.
    And so, surely, it is tie over. It will be Liverpool who are off to Spain or Germany in the last four.
    Klopp now has a few things to think about ahead of the title decider with Manchester City on Sunday.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}’GALLAGHERS AS LINESMEN?’ .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Anger as Manchester-based Taylor named ref for City vs Liverpool
    But you can be sure that Konate will make way for Joel Matip and Jordan Henderson, also a surprise substitute, will return to the heart of Klopp’s midfield.
    Even so, the midfield of Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita and Fabinho were in absolute control for that first half – along with the back four – and Klopp’s changes looked spot on.
    Benfica went into the game with a helping hand from their former manager, Bruno Lage.
    The Wolves boss sent his old club all the Liverpool data from their clash at Molineux in December which only resulted in a Divock Origi’s 90th minute winner.
    But apart from constant diving, Benfica failed to make a nuisance of themselves in the final third.
    Konate kick-started things for the Reds in LisbonCredit: Reuters
    The centre-back jumped high to head in from a corner in the 17th minuteCredit: Getty
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    It is funny when you think Mo Salah and Sadio Mane were the deadliest of enemies in a World Cup play-off just a week earlier.
    But here they were combining brilliantly and could have had a goal each but Konate put them ahead.
    It was unbelievably-bad defending from a team at these stages of the tournament. Andy Robertson’s out-swinging corner was decent enough. 
    But Konate was able to attack the ball and head the ball onto the ground and into the net without any sort of challenge from Brazilian forward Everton.
    Sadio missed a free header and Otamendi wasted a similar chance by failing to make contact.
    Sadio Mane doubled Liverpool’s lead in the 34th minuteCredit: Rex
    Mane latched on to a fine headed assist from Luis DiazCredit: Reuters
    And Otamendi was left to rue this as Liverpool went straight up the other end to score.
    It was made possible by a brilliant, intelligent diagonal pass towards Diaz who was deep in enemy territory but not near enough to score with a header.
    Instead, he nodded the ball into the path of Mane who had the easiest of chances from a few yards out.
    Diaz was all smiles and little wonder as the player was playing for Porto until January and is not massively popular around these parts. 
    Mane did not even bother to celebrate, which is the sort of thing strikers do when they score a fifth at home to a League Two side in the Carabao Cup.
    Darwin Nunez pulled one back for Benfica in the 49th minuteCredit: Getty
    Nunez is on the radar of several Premier League sides including ArsenalCredit: Reuters
    Alexander-Arnold delivered another class pass to unleash Salah. Liverpool’s number 10 of a few weeks ago would have buried the chance but here, he gave the keeper an easy save.
    Benfica had a few chances but their finishing was poor and Alisson was not tested until he was left to pick the ball out of the net.
    Konate was the clear culprit and it was really poor as he failed to clear a cross from Rafa Silva.
    Instead the ball went straight through his legs and Nunez took one touch before dispatching a shot into the corner with Alisson not standing a chance.
    Nunez had a chance to level but delivered a dreadful header and Alisson pushed away a a decent drive by Everton.
    Diaz had the final say on his return to PortugalCredit: Getty
    The former Porto winger wrapped up a 3-1 win for Liverpool in the 87th minuteCredit: Getty
    Seeing the momentum of the game changing, Klopp made a triple substitution with Henderson replacing Thiago, Jota for Salah and Firmino for Mane
    Nunez appeared for a penalty after claiming he had been shoved over by Virgil van Dijk. While it was not a penalty, van Dijk was silly to stick his arm out in front of the Uruguayan.
    And then with just three minutes left, Diaz had the last laugh.
    What a brilliant signing he has been since arriving in January and it is unheard of to see a player adjust to the Premier League in the middle of the season so quickly.
    Yet he read the clever pass from Keita, rounded the keeper and stuck into the empty net.
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    Klopp, who had been looking tense, was all smiles as he high-fived assistant Pep Lijnders.
    They will not admit it but the quadruple is still on. More

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    Watch Fabinho’s hilariously bad slide attempt as he celebrates Ibrahima Konate’s goal at Benfica

    FABINHO was knocked off his feet as Ibrahima Konate’s bullet header put Liverpool 1-0 up against Benfica in the Champions League quarter-finals. But, unlike the Reds’ goalscorer, Fabinho’s knee slide went far from according to plan.
    Fabinho took a tumble as he celebrated Konate’s openerCredit: AFP
    Fabinho followed Konate as the goal scorer slid into the cornerCredit: AFP

    After Konate headed home Andy Robertson’s corner, the defender wheeled away in celebration and ran towards the corner flag.
    And the summer signing from RB Leipzig pulled out a perfectly executed knee slide to match his sumptuous header.
    Midfielder Fabinho followed behind him… and ended up in a heap.
    The 28-year-old fell head over heels into the turf in Lisbon, much to viewers’ amusement.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Benfica 1 Liverpool 3 .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Luis Diaz bags Reds’ third then gets STICK thrown at him
    Luckily he came away from the incident with just a red face, and avoided picking up an injury after getting his knee caught on the floor.
    Fabinho was then spared further embarrassment as celebrations for Liverpool’s second of the night were far more understated.
    After Konate initially headed the Reds ahead on 17 minutes, Sadio Mane doubled their advantage 11 minutes before the break.
    A glorious ball over the top from the returning Trent Alexander-Arnold found Luis Diaz in the box, and he unselfishly nodded across the face of goal for Mane to tap in.
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    The two first half goals helped Jurgen Klopp’s side take a commanding lead in the away leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash, before Darwin Nunez pulled one back for the hosts soon after the break.
    January signing Luis Diaz then restored Liverpool’s two-goal advantage with three minutes left to play, helping the Reds head into the second leg in eight days time in a strong position.
    But before that there’s the small matter of what could well be a title decider away at Manchester City on Sunday. More

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    Barcelona sell 50,000 tickets in 24 hours for Women’s Champions League duel with Wolfsburg

    BARCELONA could be set to play in front of another packed house at the Nou Camp in their Champions League duel with Wolfsburg.A total of 50,000 tickets for the LaLiga Queens’ semi-final first leg duel against the German giants sold out in a little over 24 hours.
    Barcelona have shifted 50,000 tickets for their Champions League semi-final game against Wolfsburg at the Nou CampCredit: Alamy
    It comes just a week after Barcelona and Real Madrid attracted the biggest crowd to a women’s club football match to date.
    A record 91,553 spectators turned out to watch Barca thrash Madrid 5-2 and seal their place in the Champions League last four.
    Sports officials say the figure is an all-time fan attendance record for a Uefa women’s football game.
    It is also thought to be the highest crowd turnout for a men’s or women’s club football fixture in Europe this season.
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    Barca confirmed they had flogged the first 50,000 tickets for their April 22 clash with Wolfsburg on their web site.
    These went on sale exclusively to the Catalan club’s members on Monday.
    And earlier today the club said tickets which went on general sale this morning had sold out by this afternoon.
    Uefa say a total of 180,648 fans attended the eight quarter-finals ties which also involved Arsenal, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon.
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    A crowd of 91,553 turned out to watch Barcelona defeat Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League quarters clashCredit: Getty
    And the games, broadcast live on DAZN’s YouTube channel, attracted close 11.7million views channel from over 210 countries.
    Barcelona won their seventh top-flight title this term after winning all 26 LaLiga games they have played so far this term.
    And the team are looking to win a second successive Champions League crown after winning the trophy last season by beating Chelsea 4-0 in the final.
    It is thought the club may have some additional tickets available to sale days before the match which Uefa has reserved for various groups.
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    The winners of the tie between Barcelona and Wolfsburg will face the victors of the all-French semis clash between Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain.
    And this season’s Champions League final will take place on May 2022 at Juventus Stadium in Turin. More

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    Chelsea boss Tuchel sends classy message to Real Madrid manager Ancelotti as he faces missing Champions League tie

    THOMAS TUCHEL is hoping Carlo Ancelotti recovers from Covid in time to be in the dugout at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. The Real Madrid boss faces missing the clash after testing positive for the virus six days ago.
    Thomas Tuchel is hopeful former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti will make it to Stamford BridgeCredit: EPA
    Ancelotti won the Premier League and FA Cup Double with Chelsea in 2009-10Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    Ancelotti missed the 2-1 win over Celta Vigo at the weekend, and could also be absent for the crunch Champions League quarter-final first leg.
    Tuchel though has said it would be “nice” to have Ancelotti in the opposite dugout on Wednesday night, in a classy message to the Italian.
    The Blues boss said: “I have the information that he will try to arrive tomorrow in the evening.
    “I personally hope he makes it. He’s a big coach, a big personality and it would be nice to have him on the sideline for this kind of game.”
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    Spanish outlet AS claim Ancelotti has missed four training sessions and his status for Wednesday’s game remains unknown.
    The report states that Ancelotti feels fine, but he is just waiting on the results of a negative test before he can resume his duties as boss.
    Ancelotti’s son Davide was in charge for Real’s game against Celta Vigo on Saturday in his absence.
    But Davide couldn’t dish out orders due to not having the required licence, and was required to remain seated on the bench throughout the game.
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    Although he was spotted communicating with Ancelotti Sr through a headset.
    Real’s goalkeeper coach Luis Llopis then barked the instructions from the technical area to the players on the pitch.
    If Ancelotti doesn’t recover in time, it will be up to son Davide and coaches Llopis and Abian Perdomo to take charge of Los Blancos against Chelsea. More

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    Thibaut Courtois expects frosty reception on Chelsea return as fans remember acrimonious transfer exit to Real Madrid

    THIBAUT COURTOIS is steeling himself for a rough return to Stamford Bridge and hopes that Romelu Lukaku won’t be part of the welcoming committee.The Belgian keeper has never been forgiven by Chelsea fans for the way he forced a cut-price move to Real Madrid in 2018.
    Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois insisted he’s ‘happy’ to be returning to Stamford BridgeCredit: PA
    Courtois won two Prem titles, a League Cup and FA Cup at Chelsea – but is extremely unpopular among Blues supporters for the way he left the clubCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    And while last season’s Champions League semi-final was played behind closed doors, this time he will feel the full force of the wrath of the team he left behind.
    So it’s no surprise that Courtois is eager to play down any animosity, insisting: “I played here for four years and won two League titles and some cups.
    “Chelsea was a big part of my career. They gave me the chance to grow and to learn from Petr Cech.
    “Maybe my departure was less pleasant, but it is always difficult to leave any club and I am always happy to come back here.”
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15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More 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    Courtois will be even happier if his Belgian team-mate Lukaku is missing from Chelsea’s starting line-up after struggling to live up to his £97million price tag this season.
    He said: “Romelu is a great striker so it’s strange not to see him playing much lately.
    “He’s a guy with so much quality who finds the goal easily, but there are other great strikers at Chelsea and if the team is winning without him the manager keeps picking the same players.
    “Everyone needs time to adapt to a new club with a new coach and new tactics. My first year at Madrid was also not easy.
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    “I am sure that Romelu will come good. But I hope he can wait one more week before he does that.”
    Courtois has also been following events surrounding the sanctioning of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich closely.
    He said: ”It’s been a hard month for the club, the fans and the players. You can see all the people who love Chelsea are putting their energy together to keep the blue spirit.
    “I just hope the new owners will understand the club they are buying.
    “In terms of the players, Chelsea are more or less the same team we played last year but then were more dynamic and in a good flow.
    “I think this year they are struggling a bit more and the good thing is that we know where we failed last time we played them so we believe we can have a better result this time and get to the semi-finals.” More

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    Alphonso Davies set for first game in over THREE MONTHS for Bayern vs Villarreal after heart inflammation problem

    ALPHONSO DAVIES could start Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash with Villarreal after three months out with a heart problem.The Canada full-back, 21, has been sidelined with heart swelling after catching Covid.
    Alphonso Davies is back ready for Bayern Munich action after three months out with a heart issueCredit: Getty
    But ahead of tomorrow’s quarter-final, first leg, Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann said: “He will be coming with us.
    “His last test was very positive, so he will travel with us and could start.”
    Bundesliga leaders Bayern are hot favourites to reach the semis.
    But Nagelsmann urged caution — despite Villarreal’s shock 2-0 LaLiga defeat at struggling Levante on Saturday.
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    He said: “I think they will be pretty free in the way they will play.
    “They will not have the pressure that we will — but my players can handle it.
    “We have to live up to our favourites tag.”
    Unai Emery’s Villarreal beat Manchester United on penalties in last season’s Europa League final to qualify for the Champions League.
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    The ex-Arsenal gaffer has won the Europa League four times.
    But Spaniard Emery had only got as far as the Champions League last 16 until last month’s 4-1 aggregate win over Juventus.
    Gerard Moreno, Pau Torres and former Bournemouth forward Arnaut Danjuma scored inside 14 second-half minutes to secure a famous 3-0 second-leg win in Turin.
    But Emery knows Bayern’s threat will not be the same.
    He said: “Bayern are very different to Juventus. Tactically, we will have to do different things.
    “That’s what you like, that motivates you.
    “We want to experience a special and unique moment at our stadium and in front of our fans.
    “Our idea is to play smart the first 90 minutes at home so our chances are still alive for the return leg.” More

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    Jurgen Klopp reveals Liverpool have zero injury worries for Benfica clash but could DROP struggling Mo Salah

    LIVERPOOL have zero injuries going into tonight’s Champions League clash with Benfica.But Jurgen Klopp may still drop struggling star Mo Salah.
    Mo Salah could start on the bench against Benfica tonightCredit: AFP

    The Reds continue their ambitious quest for the quadruple with a trip to the Stadium of Light in Lisbon tonight.
    There were fears over Curtis Jones, Joel Matip, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Naby Keita – but all have been given the green light.
    Klopp alleviated those doubts, though, and said: “Yes full squad available, absolutely.
    “Curtis was a little swelling, it appeared overnight, fine. Same as Joel, which was very helpful because it looked really strange.
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    “Trent now four or five days [in training], not sure exactly, but he’s ready as well.”
    However, Salah may start the Champions League quarter-final first leg on the bench.
    The Egyptian – who is still yet to sign a contract extension – has managed a staggering 28 goals and ten assists in 37 appearances for Liverpool this term.
    However, the forward’s last goal from open play came way back in February and his only strike in his last eight games for club and country was a penalty against Brighton.
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    The relative barren run, coupled with double heartache for Egypt with the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifying, means Klopp may decide to give Salah a rest.
    The German insisted he is “happy” with the “all good” contract situation.
    He added: “He might not have scored from open play, but it’s not too important. For me, the performance level is important.
    “But it’s a tough period for Mo – and for Sadio [Mane] – with the Africa Cup of Nations and then the games and coming back and being immediately available for us again. That was really, really special.
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    “It’s completely normal in a season to have ups and downs.
    “We see him every day in training and see him playing obviously, there’s nothing to worry about.
    “Apart from that, we have to manage the physical part as well.
    “Of course, these players will not come to me and ask for a break, so I have to give them the break at a specific moment. Hopefully, together we use that little break and go again.”
    Should Salah start among the substitutes, Mane and Luis Diaz could start in attack either side of Diogo Jota.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold has been cleared fit to playCredit: AFP
    Jurgen Klopp has a full squad to choose from with no injuriesCredit: AFP More

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    Benfica XI of former stars would fight for Champions League after selling £450m worth of talent in the last decade

    BENFICA’S business model of buy low, sell high has delivered domestic success but the £450million worth of talent leaving the club could have deprived them of greater glory.A stunning array of star players have passed through the Lisbon club’s doors over the past decade, showcasing their eye for a gem.
    Benfica have sold some of Europe’s best players in the last decade
    An impressive XI can be constructed from former Benfica men – with plenty left spare.
    The 2019 summer deal for Joao Felix, with Atletico Madrid paying £115m, represents by far their biggest sale but a mega 15 players left for between £20m and £35m in the past 10 years.
    Manchester City’s defensive stalwart Ruben Dias is the next most expensive exit after arriving in a £64m deal to shatter David Luiz’s £22m effort.
    His team-mate goalkeeper Ederson follows with a defence of Nelson Semedo, Victor Lindelof and Fabio Coentrao banking Benfica £87m combined.
    A pairing of Axel Witsel and Renato Sanches represents two central midfielders sold early on in their careers for huge profits.
    And with Angel Di Maria and Goncalo Guedes joining them in a £121m midfield, there isn’t even space for Nemanja Matic.
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    Ezequiel Garay and Nemanja Matic left for big fees yet are nowhere near the top of the rankingsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    The Serb bruiser left for Chelsea in 2014 for a ‘measly’ £21m, meaning he misses the cut for this line-up along with £13m playmaker Bernardo Silva.
    The exit fees for Lazar Markovic, Nico Gaitan and Enzo Perez also exceeded £20m – and yet aren’t enough for our XI.
    Nuno Tavares swapped Benfica for Arsenal in the summer of 2021 but fails to make our XI as his bargain £7m fee is no match for the £27m banked when Coentrao joined Real Madrid back in 2011.
    Up front, Felix partners Wolves’ record buy Raul Jimenez to oust £27m Valencia signing Rodrigo.
    Had all these players stayed, it isn’t hard to imagine Benfica reaching the latter stages of the Champions League and even threatening to win the competition.
    Add in the likes of Jan Oblak, Joao Cancelo and Luka Jovic and suddenly the team looks nigh-on imperious.
    Sure enough, the Portuguese giants do have two European Cups to their name but a decade that saw them reach just two Champions League quarter-finals and lose a pair of Europa League finals could have been very different. More