Liverpool have taken a step nearer a third Champions League final under Jurgen Klopp by seeing off the threat of Benfica on Wednesday.
Ibrahima Konate scored once and Roberto Firmino twice as the Reds fought out a 3-3 draw in their quarter-final second leg to win 6-4 on aggregate. The result means Jurgen Klopp’s side will now face Spanish side Villarreal for a place in the final against either Manchester City or Real Madrid.
But there was plenty that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes at Anfield.
PAUL GORST: What Liverpool fans sang to Jurgen Klopp shows what everyone wants
IAN DOYLE: Jurgen Klopp faces major Man City headache as key absence clear
JURGEN KLOPP: Liverpool boss makes line-up admission after Benfica draw
Salah told
The ongoing speculation surrounding Mohamed Salah's long-term Liverpool future has shown few signs of abating, even if the player himself would rather just crack on with the job on the pitch.
But there was a subtle message for the forward before the game against Benfica. As the Reds' substitutes were read out by resident MC Peter McDowall, the name of Salah was left until last despite numerically being among the first players on the list, prompting a loud cheer from the Kop.
Indeed, when the Egyptian was introduced during the second half, he was afforded a rousing version of his trademark song. It's clear what Liverpool fans want to happen with Salah.
Captaincy comedy
Has there ever been a captaincy as shortlived as that of James Milner on Wednesday night? It's a question worth asking after an almost comic moment during the match.
With Jordan Henderson's number having been raised, the skipper made a point of going to James Milner and passing on the armband before departing. Yet within seconds, Milner was also given the hook, prompting him to then pass on the captaincy to Alisson Becker.
If it was an effort to eat up the clock with Liverpool leading 3-1 at the time, then full marks for creativity.
Clever Klopp?
Mind you, it wasn't the only attempt made by the home side to waste a little time as Benfica threatened, if not to progress, then at least leave Liverpool with a bloody nose.
After the Portuguese had pulled back to 3-3, Joe Gomez got a touch on a run from Darwin Nunez down the touchline to put the ball out of play into the direction of Jurgen Klopp - who instinctively knocked the ball back down the line away from the Liverpool goal.
Klopp instantly put his hands in the air by way of apology while Nunez just got on with matters and took the resultant throw. Not quite in the mould of Diego Simeone from the Reds boss, but then again, who is?
Benfica applauded
It has been some time since an away support was quite as loud at Anfield as that of Benfica. And with three goals for the visitors, they were at least given some reward for their journey.
And their contribution didn't pass unnoticed from the Portuguese side. The Benfica players went over to the travelling fans at the final whistle and gave them a big ovation.
Then, with the Benfica faithful having been kept inside until the home fans had dispersed, the players returned from the dressing room to offer another round of applause. Which was nice.
