2010 UEFA Europa League Semi-Final Leg Two: Benfica vs. Liverpool

Liverpool Advance to the Final Despite Second-Leg Defeat

The Reds Fell 2-1 on the Night, but Their 4-1 Aggregate Victory Secured Their Progress

Liverpool advanced to the UEFA Europa League final on Thursday despite suffering a 2-1 second-leg defeat to Benfica at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. The Reds had won the first leg at Anfield 4-1, and their aggregate score of 5-3 was enough to see them through to the final in Hamburg on May 12.

Benfica started the game brightly and deservedly took the lead in the 10th minute when Oscar Cardozo converted a penalty. However, Liverpool levelled just before half-time through Dirk Kuyt's header. The home side continued to press for a winner in the second half, and they were rewarded in the 78th minute when Fábio Coentrão fired home a superb strike.

Liverpool held on for the remaining minutes, and they will now face either Fulham or Hamburg in the final. The Reds will be aiming to win their first major European trophy since the 2005 Champions League final, and they will be confident of beating either of their potential opponents.

Benfica's defeat was a disappointing end to a season that had promised so much. The Portuguese giants had been excellent in the Europa League, and they will be hoping to return next season and challenge for the trophy once again.