Fireworks in Lisbon as Reds lose battle

TEN-MAN Liverpool were undone by two harsh penalty decisions and an at-times shambolic refereeing display as they lost 2-1 to Benfica in a hostile Europa League quarter-final first leg in Lisbon last night.

Daniel Agger gave his side the perfect start in the ninth-minute but things took a turn for the worse when Ryan Babel was dismissed on the half-hour for thrusting a hand in Luisao’s face.

Oscar Cardozo wasted numerous chances before converting two spot-kicks but with an away goal Rafael Benitez’s side still have hope for the return leg.