Source: SKY_Sports
Benitez - Win or bust
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Under-fire Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez acknowledges that his side will have to produce a trademark European rescue mission if they are to progress in the UEFA Champions League.[LNB] The Reds threw away the lead to lose 2-1 to Lyon on Tuesday in front of a stunned Anfield as Yossi Benayoun's first-half opener was cancelled out by Maxime Gonalons and a last-minute Cesar Delgado goal.[LNB]Lyon's victory condemned Liverpool to a fourth successive defeat in all competitions for the first time in 22 years and piled pressure on Benitez as his side continue to flail in Group E of the Champions League.[LNB]The 2005 European Cup winners sit third in the group, three points adrift of second-placed Fiorentina and six behind leaders Lyon, and Benitez acknowledges that a winning run is essential if a place in the knockout stages is to be earned.[LNB]Liverpool have made a habit of doing things the hard way on the continent since their Spanish manager took charge in 2004 and he is knows that another rapid reverse in form is required.[LNB]Benitez told Sky Sports: "It will be more difficult. We have done it before, we won three games, so we have to do the same. We have to win three games.[LNB]"It is always important to think about the first game, to try and get the three points and then we will have more confidence."[LNB]Injury setbackLiverpool had suffered an early setback against Lyon as captain Steven Gerrard was substituted midway through the first half after suffering a recurrence of a groin injury.[LNB]The England star sustained the problem while on international duty to miss Saturday's defeat at Sunderland as a consequence and he is now a doubt for Sunday's Premier League clash with North West rivals Manchester United.[LNB]Gerrard will undergo analysis on Wednesday and Benitez - who was also without Glen Johnson and Fernando Torres due to injury - is hoping a precautionary change will have helped.[LNB]The Liverpool boss said when asked about the extent of his captain's injury: "It is too early. We have two or three players with problems so we have to wait and see tomorrow with the doctor.[LNB]"He felt that he had a problem with his groin and it could have been more serious so we had to change him."[LNB]Benitez added: "It was not a gamble to play Gerrard. He wanted to play and had trained normally for two days.[LNB]"He was given the all-clear by the doctor, and what happened was just bad luck. He felt something wrong in his groin, and it was wise to come off."[LNB]Johnson is also set for fitness test, with Benitez saying in regards to the England right-back: "He is the same. He has some problems in his groin. We have to wait and see tomorrow."[LNB]
