Source: Daily_Mail
Liverpool and Fulham reach semi-finals of Europa League
Liverpool and Fulham moved a step nearer an all- English Europa League final as they restored some Barclays Premier League pride on the continent.[LNB] After Manchester United and Arsenal went out of the Champions League this week, Liverpool beat Benfica at Anfield and Fulham won at Wolfsburg in Germany to raise the prospect of the two clubs meeting in Hamburg next month.[LNB] Eyes have it: Dirk Kuyt celebrates his early strike[LNB]Fernando Torres struck twice and Dirk Kuyt and Lucas were also on target in a 4-1 win that sent Rafael Benitez's side through 5-3 on aggregate and set up a semi-final against Torres' old club Atletico Madrid.[LNB] Benitez said: 'To be in the semifinal of a European competition is really good for us. Hopefully, we can see Fulham in the final and everyone will be talking about how it's two English teams. We'd like to go all the way to the final and stay close to the top four in the Premier League.'[LNB] Torres picked up a slight knee injury that makes him a doubt for Liverpool's game against Fulham on Sunday. But Atletico striker Sergio Aguero will miss the semi-final first leg after he was booked in added time as his side went through against Valencia last night. [LNB] Flying start: Dirk Kuyt (left) puts Liverpool a goal to the good after 26 minutes[LNB]Benitez said: 'Now we have to go to Madrid, it will be more exciting for Fernando than me because he was there a long time. It will be a tough game. Torres had a problem at the beginning with his knee but he could play a good game.[LNB] 'What pleased me most was the team spirit. Benfica are top of their table and are one of the top sides in Europe.'[LNB] Fulham will face Hamburg in the last four after their 1-0 win in Wolfsburg. Bobby Zamora's goal after just 21 seconds secured a 3-1 aggregate victory.[LNB] Happy slapper: Bobby Zamora (right) celebrates with Simon Davies[LNB]Manager Roy Hodgson said: 'It's very strong to come here and win 1-0 in a game we had control over for long periods.[LNB] 'They were gutted by the goal we conceded in the last minute of the first leg at Craven Cottage and it's fantastic they've come and kept a clean sheet.' [LNB] Liverpool 4 Benfica 1: Dirk Kuyt's flying high for Rafa Benitez as Reds book last four spotLiverpool boss Rafa Benitez admits: I have made big mistakes this season - but I was right to replace Fernando Torres at BirminghamCheer up, lads! Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard leads glum Liverpool stars in modelling new home strip Wolfsburg 0 Fulham 1 (agg: 1-3): Zamora's 21-second stunner books Hamburg semi-final EUROPA LEAGUE LIVE: Liverpool and Fulham sweep through to Europa League semi-finals - as it happened[LNB] [LNB]
