Liverpool put one foot in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals with Tuesday’s 3-1 win at Benfica but manager Jurgen Klopp isn’t getting carried away.
The Reds claimed a two-goal half-time lead after strikes from Ibrahima Konate and Sadio Mane, before a mistake from Konate allowed Darwin Nunez to halve the deficit.
Benfica put pressure on Liverpool in the second half before former FC Porto winger Luis Diaz rounded goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos to hit a crucial third goal.
“The tie is not closed because its half-time and we know that,” Klopp told reporters. “We knew in half-time today that its not done.
“Would have wished we wouldnt have given them the opportunity to come back in the game, but thats football, they deserved it, completely fine with that.
“Its an away game in the Champions League in the quarter-final if that would be easy, something would be wrong with the competition. But its a great competition.
“Benfica didnt get the quarter-final as a present, they came through an incredibly tough group and played against one of the most talented teams in Europe with Ajax but its not closed.
Liverpool face Manchester City, who won 1-0 over Atletico Madrid in their quarter-final on Tuesday, in a crucial Premier League clash in the title race on Sunday.
“I didnt think a second until now about the City game, so I could not make decisions because of the City game when we dont think about it,” Klopp added.
Meanwhile, City boss Pep Guardiola hailed Kevin De Bruyne after his winner against the Spanish champions.
“Hes in the best moment of the season right now – he is sharp, hes quick, positive and his influence now again is massive and he made an exceptional goal with his combination with Phil,” Guardiola said.
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