Benfica came from behind to beat 10- man Liverpool 2-1 on Thursday at their Europa League quarter-final first leg match.

Liverpool took an early lead at the Estadio da Luz as Daniel Agger neatly backheeled home the opener on just nine minutes.

But the five-time European champions then found themselves down to 10 men after they had Ryan Babbel sent off for pushing Luisao, who had angered the Dutch winger for a foul on Fernando Torres.

Babbel pushed Luisao in the face and appeared to say something to referee Jonas Eriksson, who promptly flashed the red card.

Matters came to a brief halt when a firework, thrown from the stands, landed very close to the fourth official standing by Pepe Reina's goal and the referee brought the issue to the attention of the UEFA match delegate.

Argentine Angel di Maria, linked with several top English clubs, then drove just over for Benfica as the hosts, despite missing the silky skills of Javier Saviola, began to warm to their task with the extra man.

Oscar Cardozo's 59th-minute free-kick came back off Reina's right-hand post but Pablo Aimar then crumpled under Emiliano Insua 's tackle and the referee pointed to the spot and Cardozo drove home.

Further frustration was to follow for Liverpool as more fireworks landed pitchside before Benfica were awarded a second penalty on 79 minutes.

Angel di Maria crossed from the left and the ball hit Jamie Carragher, playing his 621st match for the club, on the arm.

Once again, Eriksson pointed to the spot and Cardozo once again coolly converted the ball home.