Pepe Reina has revealed Liverpool were inspired by the Hillsborough victims during Tuesday's epic Champions League clash with Chelsea.
The Reds bowed out of Europe's premier competition 7-5 on aggregate after an amazing 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool will mark the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster on Wednesday with a memorial service and Reina admits every player in the team was determined to produce a performance against Chelsea as a fitting tribute to 96 fans who died in the tragedy.
"We tried to do our best for the 96 but we just couldn't do it," Reina told the Liverpool Echo. "Being honest we were playing with a lot of passion, but we were also lifted by the 96 souls.
"We were getting pushed by them. We tried everything to turn it around but in the end it was a pity.
"We are disappointed because we didn't get through, but to be honest the lads are really proud of themselves. We have to be because we gave it our all but we just couldn't manage to do it. Whoever plays for Liverpool always plays with his heart and soul.
"All we could give was passion with commitment and effort.
"To be a Liverpool player is to feel proud of yourself. At the beginning it was terrific for us.
"We had plenty of chances and there was just one team in it during the first half. It was 2-0 but it could have been even more."
Reina also accepted the blame for Chelsea's first goal at Stamford Bridge admitting he should have done better with Didier Drogba's flicked effort.
"It was bad positioning by me," added Reina.
"I was too in the middle of the goal. I should have been closer to the near post. It was my mistake. I have to recognise it - that's the life of a goalkeeper."
Spanish international Reina believes Liverpool can take many positives from the defeat and maintain their charge for the Premier League title.
"We are still positive for the Premier League," noted Reina.
"There are six games remaining and we have to win them all. It's in United's hands. We must try to win them and wait.
"But we will never give up. We are Liverpool. That's our character and the way we are.
"We will continue to fight til the end."
Source: Eurosport
