The key talking points from Liverpool's 3-1 victory over Benfica

Liverpool are one step closer to the Champions League semi-finals after beating Benfica 3-1 (quarter-final, first leg) at the Estadio da Luz last night.

Ibrahima Konate opened the scoring for the Reds after 17 minutes of action. Sadio Mane increased Liverpool's lead shortly after.

Darwin Nunez got Benfica back in the match early on during the second-half. However, Luis Diaz secured the victory for the Reds just before stoppage time.

Liverpool take a two-goal lead into the second leg. Below are the key talking points from last night's clash.

A mixed night for Konate

Konate scored his first goal for Liverpool against Benfica. Andy Robertson whipped in a ball from a corner and the centre-back scored via a header.

But, Konate was at fault for the goal that the Reds conceded.

The Frenchman attempted to clear his lines. Instead, Konate missed the ball and Nunez capitalised.

However, he is only 22 years of age. Konate will learn from his mistake.

Naby Keita was lively

Keita started against Benfica and looked very lively. The midfielder got on the ball and made things happen.

Keita completed 92 percent of his passes and registered an assist against the Portuguese side.

Keita's energy without the ball was also very pleasing to see.

The 27-year-old has suffered a number of injuries during his time at Liverpool, so it was good to see him play well last night.

Fabinho should be fine

Fabinho clashed heads with Nicolas Otamendi during the second-half. The Brazil international was forced off the field. But, Fabinho did come back on.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that the Brazil international should make a swift recovery.

As quoted by the club's official website, the German said the following during his post-match press conference: "There’s a little cut. He’s fine, that’s how it looks.

"He had a cut on the back of his head and obviously there is no hair that could hold the blood back. That’s why they needed a bit of time, but he should be completely fine."

Benfica's fight should be admired

Liverpool are a far better side than Benfica. There is a reason why one team has won the Champions League in the past three years and the other has not.

However, the Portuguese side did fight hard against Liverpool last night. Klopp was very complimentary towards Benfica during his post-match press conference. The German also praised the home crowd.

"I have to say, big compliment to Benfica, they really fought for their lives, especially after we opened the door a little bit for them," Klopp said, as quoted by LiverpoolFC.com.

"It was clear when they scored that the crowd will be back and the atmosphere was really, really good. And good football teams tend to use that."

Liverpool will have the 12th man behind them for the second leg against Benfica next Wednesday night. That should help Klopp's side capitalise on the two-goal lead they possess.

But, only time will tell if that is to be the case.

Onto Manchester City

In regards to the short-term, Liverpool will face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

With both sides going for the Premier League title, this is a huge game.

Manchester City do hold a slight advantage over Liverpool going into the clash. They are at home and did not have to travel for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

The Citizens secured a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Etihad Stadium last night. But, Liverpool have a great chance of defeating Manchester City regardless.

The Reds have matched them for a number of years.