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Updated 18:31 IST, January 22nd 2025

'I Like To See These Things': Liverpool Manager Praises Referee After Barcelona's Massive 5-4 Comeback Against Benfica In UCL

Liverpool manager Arne Slot had a lot of praise for the match referee of Barcelona and Benfica's UCL match following Barcelona's 5-4 win.

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Barcelona players celebrate the comeback win.
Barcelona players celebrate the comeback win. | Image: AP

Liverpool manager Arne Slot was keeping a close watch on the match between Barcelona and Benfica in the UEFA Champions League as he had a lot of praise for the way the match referee went about his buisness during the match. Liverpool currently sit at the top of the UEFA Champions League table and are followed by Barcelona in second. Last night it seemed certain that Liverpool are going through as the leaders of the group into the knock-out stages, that was until Barcelona made a massive comeback to snatch a 5-4 win against Benfica. 

Arne Slot Praises Barcelona-Benfica Match Referee

Following the match, Liverpool manager Arne Slot had a lot of praise for the referee. 

Barcelona’s spectacular fightback against Benfica on Tuesday meant Liverpool would have to wait another week to be confirmed winner of the league phase of the new look Champions League.

But manager Arne Slot was full of praise for referee Danny Makkelie playing so much stoppage time in the 5-4 win for Barcelona. 

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“Let’s start with a compliment for the referee in Lisbon,” Slot said. “Because for the times I’ve worked in football, I saw four minutes of extra time and then there was three minutes of time delaying and then at four minutes the referee blew his whistle.

“But this referee kept on playing for a while, so maybe that was not in our advantage this time, but I like to see these things.”

Liverpool Have To Wait Another Gameweek To Confirm Top Spot

Liverpool confirmed its place in the last 16 with a 2-1 victory over Lille at Anfield. It looked set to advance as league winner until Barcelona’s comeback at Estadio da Luz.

Benfica led 3-1 and 4-2 in the game, but was stunned by goals in the 86th and 96th minutes from Eric Garcia and Raphinia, respectively. 

Read More: Salah Breaks Another Milestone In Possible Last Season For Liverpool

Liverpool still tops the standings with a 100% record in Europe’s elite club competition this season.

Barcelona is three points behind in second.

Liverpool plays PSV Eindhoven in its final game of the league phase next week, while Barcelona plays Atalanta. 

(With AP Inputs)

Published 18:31 IST, January 22nd 2025