Liverpool came from behind to beat Benfica 2–1 at the Estádio da Luz on 1 March 1978, taking an away victory into the second leg of their European Cup quarter-final. Jimmy Case equalised before half-time and captain Emlyn Hughes scored the winner after the interval.
Bob Paisley selected Kenny Dalglish and Steve Heighway ahead of a midfield of Case, Terry McDermott, Ian Callaghan and Ray Kennedy. Phil Thompson began in defence but Alan Hansen replaced him before half-time.
Persistent rain left standing water and mud on the pitch. Benfica went ahead when Nené broke through the middle and beat the advancing Ray Clemence. Liverpool's response came from a free-kick outside the penalty area: Case drove the ball past the wall and through Bento's attempted save.
The equaliser came while Thompson was off the pitch with an injury. Hansen entered before play resumed, restoring Liverpool to eleven men with the score level.
Benfica threatened again after the interval, but Liverpool's midfield increasingly carried the play forward. The winning move ended with Hughes finding space on the left and lifting the ball beyond Bento into the far corner. The goalkeeper had advanced from his line; Hughes's high delivery left him unable to recover.
Contemporary accounts agreed on Liverpool's ability to cope with the conditions. Michael Charters in the Liverpool Echo emphasised their midfield work and Tommy Smith's defending; David Lacey in the Guardian described their growing attacking control after the uncertain opening.
Liverpool had conceded first and lost a defender, yet finished with a win and two away goals. The return at Anfield was set for 15 March, with Benfica now needing to reverse a deficit on Liverpool's ground.
Liverpool completed the task with a 4–1 home victory and advanced 6–2 on aggregate. The first leg had given them the foundation: Case's equaliser removed Benfica's early advantage, and Hughes's winner ensured they left Lisbon ahead.