Sadio Mane interrupted Luis Diaz’s post-match interview to give him a big hug after Liverpool’s win over Benfica last night.
Diaz was answering questions for DAZN Canada as seen on Twitter when his Liverpool teammate decided to surprise him.
Mane embraced the man who laid a goal on a plate for him during the first-half of the game and gave him a kiss on the head.
The two have a chuckle and a smile as the Senegalese forward leaves as quickly as he came.
Diaz the difference
It’s no wonder Mane feels the need to thank his attacking partner. Diaz’s header into his path to double Liverpool’s lead couldn’t have been executed better.
The goal owed much to the ball over the top from Trent Alexander-Arnold. With the quality of Diaz and Mane, Trent’s ball was virtually as good as a goal.
But still, others may have tried to score themselves. The ball was that good that it put the Colombian immediately one on one with the Benfica goalkeeper.
It would have had to have been a good header to beat Odysseas Vlachodimos, but Diaz is definitely capable and he was obviously desperate for a goal back in Portugal.
That makes it even more commendable that he had the presence of mind to play in Mane. The 29-year-old obliged as he tapped home his 13th Champions League knockout stage goal for Liverpool.
Diaz went on to seal the game for his new team as the clock ticked into the last few minutes. His goal and assist secured him the Man of the Match on the night from UEFA.
Although Naby Keita can feel a little aggreived not to have been rewarded for his excellent display in midfield, it’s plain to see that Diaz was the difference for Jurgen Klopp’s team.
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