Source: Team_Talk
It could've been worse, admits Reina
Jose Reina insisted "it could have been worse" despite Liverpool's 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in their Europa League semi-final first leg.[LNB] Diego Forlan scored a scrappy early goal at the second attempt after defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos slipped, and the Reds were unable to muster a leveller on Thursday night.[LNB]Captain Steven Gerrard's drive into the sidenetting was the closest they came to an equaliser, although Yossi Benayoun had a goal disallowed following a marginal offside flag.[LNB]Reds goalkeeper Reina told Five: "The team didn't play well at all but it is still possible - there are 90 minutes to play at Anfield.[LNB]"We knew they were going to push - in the Calderon, they are a strong team. But after 20 minutes we settled down a little bit better and they didn't create too many things. We can't be happy but it could have been worse."[LNB]Reina made top-class saves from Simao Sabrosa and Tomas Ujfalusi, while Forlan wasted a good one-on-one opportunity.[LNB]The Spaniard said: "We were a little unlucky (with the goal) because Soto slipped.[LNB]"(The saves were) important to keep the tie alive - there is still a long 90 minutes to go at Anfield.[LNB]"We are behind now and it is very difficult but if there is one team who can do it with their fans behind them, it is Liverpool."[LNB]Reina's manager and compatriot Rafael Benitez was frustrated to see Benayoun's effort chalked off, and told Five: "I think it was onside but in football you cannot change things after the game.[LNB]"We are disappointed because we conceded a strange goal and we could not score, you always want to score.[LNB]"But okay - half-time. We have the second game at Anfield and I have confidence - Anfield is massive and with the fans behind us we can beat anyone."[LNB]Benitez also played down the effect of tiredness after his side were forced to make a long journey to Spain by road and rail after the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud left flights grounded.[LNB]"It was fine," he said. "We were working hard so that was the main thing."
