'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Liverpool fans have reacted furiously to a defensive error by James Milner, as well as his sluggishness in midfield in their Champions League quarter-finals second leg clash against Benfica.
The Reds took on Benfica on April 13 after winning the first leg 3-1 in Lisbon. In a display of defensive frailty, Milner's touch on the ball played into Benfica attacker Goncalo Ramos' path, who then managed to find the back of the net. The star seemingly struggled to keep up with the tempo and fans were unhappy.
The Reds' fans took to Twitter to slam the former England international after a sloppy, unexpected back-pass allowed Benfica to equalize.
Here is a selection of their tweets:
Although Benfica equalized the match, the Reds added two goals in the second half and remain well ahead on aggregate. They are widely expected to finish the game and go on to reach the semi-finals.
Milner has seen his involvement in the Liverpool team reduced in recent years. The veteran utility man’s poor first-half outing might be what convinces Liverpool to eye a younger replacement. Milner was subbed off for Thiago Alcantara, who could provide a much-needed drive within the middle third.
Liverpool get closer to magical quadruple
Thanks to a blistering first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash in Lisbon, Liverpool have entered this game against Benfica with a two-goal advantage. Benfica look unlikely to cause an upset at this point, and the Reds already have one foot in the semi-finals.
They will face Villarreal in the next round, and the Yellow Submarine are already seen as the underdogs for the game. Kopites already believe they're in the final thanks to their lead against Benfica, as well as their potential next game against Villarreal. The Reds are expected to beat the La Liga side with ease and find their way into the final of the Champions League.
If Jurgen Klopp and his men could see off Villarreal and go on to win the Champions League, they would have picked up a double this season. They already have a Carabao Cup win to their name.
They are in with a chance of winning the FA Cup as they have reached the semifinals of the competition. If Manchester City falter in the Premier League, the Reds could overtake them and win an unprecedented quadruple.
