This first game of this particular series ended as I thought it would, with a comfortable lead for Liverpool. Was it a comfortable game? That is another thing. During the first half Liverpool completely obliterated Benfica's midfield and I think the first half's 0-2 lead for Liverpool came up short. Salah missed quite a few balls he wasn't able to control which could have ended in goals, I guess he is still haunted by his penalty miss against Senegal.
The second half was quite different, at least the first twenty five minutes, Benfica came out with a different attitude and were able to score their only goal very early, after this they had a few chances including the one were Darwin Nunez demanded a penalty, I really don't think it was a penalty, Van Dijk did touch his chest but I hardly think that would have thrown him down, I think if he had tried following through instead of going down he could have managed to do some damage.
After this twenty five minute period it seems Benfica just deflated and Liverpool took back control of the game until close to the end Diaz scored their third goal. I would think this nearly settles this series, a Benfica going all forward in the next game, which they will have to do as they need at least two goals will leave spaces in their defense and Liverpool's attack is lethal, I think it is very difficult for Benfica to make a come back. In the other game this afternoon Manchester City beat Atletico de Madrid 1-0, hardly a decisive score, but again, Atletico have to attack to get their goal, and City can take advantage of any spaces left by the Atletico defense. I think City goes through.