Ian Rush scored his first European hat-trick as Liverpool beat Benfica 3–1 at Anfield on 24 October 1984. Back from a cartilage operation, he was playing only his second match since returning, four days after a derby defeat had left Liverpool seventeenth in the league.
Joe Fagan moved Mark Lawrenson into midfield, and it was Lawrenson's run through the Benfica defence that made the opening goal shortly before half-time. His low cross reached John Wark, whose mishit shot fell to Rush to finish.
Benfica equalised early in the second half. Gary Gillespie failed to clear a ball forward, allowing Diamantino to get past him and Grobbelaar to score.
Craig Johnston had replaced the injured Wark at half-time. His delivery from the right and Ronnie Whelan's involvement helped create both of Rush's remaining goals: first a mishit Whelan shot reached the striker, then another Whelan attempt found its way to him to complete the hat-trick.
Rush's finishing had turned a level match into a two-goal advantage. Liverpool would take that lead to the Estádio da Luz on 7 November, though Diamantino's away goal meant Benfica could still go through with a 2–0 win.