Source: SKY_Sports
Rafa savours night to remember
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez believes his side's resounding 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League will go a long way towards silencing the critics.[LNB] The Reds, who led the Primera Liga champions 1-0 from the first leg - produced a superb display at Anfield to stroll into the quarter-finals at the expense of nine-time winners Real.[LNB]Fernando Torres opened the scoring and captain Steven Gerrard doubled his side's lead from the penalty spot before volleying a third two minutes after half-time as Liverpool, who won the competition in 2005 and reached the final in 2007, stunned their visitors.[LNB]Substitute Andrea Dossena slotted a late fourth and Benitez - who left Valencia to take over on Merseyside in 2004 - believes the result demonstrates an ability to produce offensive football and justifies Uefa's No.1 ranking, based on form over the last five years. [LNB]He said: "Yes, I know people in Spain think that my teams do not attack, but look at this result and look at the 119 goals we scored last season. That says something different.[LNB]"We are ranked the number one club in Europe and a result like this against a great club like Real Madrid is very pleasing.[LNB]"We played really well from beginning to the end, and I am really pleased for the fans.[LNB]Important"Why are we so good in Europe? I can only say that we approach European games with confidence and in the right way.[LNB]"Torres and Gerrard played very well, but I do not like to talk about one or two players, everyone was very good, from the first to the last on the pitch.[LNB]"They were expecting us to play deep and play on the counter-attack, but we were on top of them right from the start and they never really recovered from that opening spell.[LNB]"The last five years this team has been very good in Europe, we have shown that continually. Our fans appreciate that and understand what we have achieved."[LNB]Now Liverpool face an equally tough trip to face Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1.[LNB]Benitez added: "We have an important game next, but we have played well, scored four goals and are very confident. That is the best way to prepare for such a game.[LNB]"It was important for us to play that well, but we are now facing a very good team and we must win to close the gap at the top.[LNB]"We have a few days to enjoy this result and make sure we are positive and prepared properly for the game at Old Trafford."[LNB]
