Liverpool got past Benfica in what was a thriller last night and Darwin Nunez put Alisson and the Reds’ backline to the test, especially in the second half.
The Reds went into the game with a 3-1 first-leg lead. They were the favourites to go through and Ibrahima Konate’s opener in the 21st minute put them in an even stronger position. Goncalo Ramos pulled one back for the visitors but a brace from Bobby Firmino took the game away from them.
However, Benfica just didn’t give up. They kept pushing even after Firmino’s second goal in the 65th minute, and that paid dividends as Roman Yaremchuk and Nunez struck twice in the space of eight minutes to pull the game back to 3-3.
Nunez, who the world has been watching recently, almost scored another in the 83rd minute, but Alisson pulled off a stunning save to deny him.
Darwin Nunez: Liverpool star Alisson pulled off an incredible save
In the 83rd minute of the game at Anfield last night, Nunez got on the end of a cross from the right side of the pitch.
The Uruguayan made a really difficult volley look fairly simple and smashed a fierce strike towards the bottom left-hand corner. Just when it looked like Benfica would take the lead in the second leg, Alisson pulled off a truly remarkable save.
Nunez, who was stunned, said after the game, as per ESPN’s Gabriele Marcotti: “That Alisson save? That was incredible.
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“I swear to you, I saw the ball going in.. and then it wasn’t.”
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With Mo Salah, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz making the headlines week in, week out, and Virgil van Dijk stealing the spotlight at the back, Alisson doesn’t really get the credit he deserves at times.
However, his save to deny Nunez in the 83rd minute last night was absolutely world-class. Liverpool arguably had the game in the bag already at that point, but his save certainly made life easier in the end.
Nunez once again proved last night that he’s ready for a big move this summer.
Liverpool are among the clubs rumoured to be keen on his services and he may well line up alongside Alisson next season if Klopp decides to make a move this summer.
