English clubs Manchester City and Liverpool in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League. Liverpool beat Benfica and City beat Atletico Madrid to reach the last four.
The second-quarter match between City and Atletico ended in a goalless draw, but a one-goal victory in the first quarter helped City reach the semi-finals. Atletico did not have much of a challenge against City in the second leg at home in Madrid.
Both teams were level in the first half. Atletico continued to attack City in the second half but did not score. Meanwhile, a shot from Griezmann hit the post and went wide. Luis Suarez looked down at the last minute but the goal was not scored. With that the game went to a draw. City take a one – goal lead in the first quarter.
The match between Liverpool and Benfica ended in a draw, but a 3-1 lead in the first quarter opened the way for Liverpool to reach the semi-finals. Liverpool were the first to shake the net at home to Anfield. Liverpool took the lead in the 21st minute through Ibrahim Conte. Gonzalo Ramos scored in the 32nd minute. Liverpool took the lead again in the second half thanks to a double from Robert Firmino. Firmino’s goals came in the 55th and 65th minutes.
Later, the Portuguese club was seen retaliating. Benfica equalized in the 73rd minute through Roman Yermancheng and in the 81st minute through Darwin Nunes. Benfica made efforts to increase the lead but the Liverpool defense strongly resisted. Eventually the match was drawn.
Klopp and team advance to the semifinals, 6-4 in both quarters. The semi-final will be a battle between English and Spanish clubs. Manchester City will face Real Madrid in the first quarter on April 27 and Liverpool will face Vieira on April 28. The second quarter semi will be held on May 4 and 5.
Real reached the semi-finals by beating Chelsea. Vieira’s semi – final entry over German powerhouse Bayern Munich.