Reds belief delights Benitez
09 Apr 2008 - 07:23:29
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez hailed his side's character and belief after they booked their place in the Champions League last four with a dramatic 4-2 quarter-final second leg victory over Arsenal.
The Reds had looked to be heading out of Europe when Emmanuel Adebayor's 84th minute equaliser pulled his side level at 3-3 on aggregate and put them on the cusp of qualification on the away goals rule.
However, Steven Gerrard's penalty after Ryan Babel had been pulled down by Kolo Toure and a late fourth from the Dutch winger on the break secured a third semi-final appearance in four years for the Anfield club.
"I was delighted with the belief of my players, particularly in the second half. We had been so poor before the break, but so much better in the second period," said Benitez after his side had fallen behind to an Abou Diaby goal in the 13th minute.
"When we went to 2-2 so near the end, my players showed tremendous character and desire to get up off the ground to win the tie."
Meanwhile, Benitez has backed his players to get the better of Chelsea after setting up a semi-final meeting with another English side.
The Reds have crossed swords with the London club at the same stage in Europe twice in the last three seasons and won on both times.
"It is amazing that it is Chelsea again and, just as before, it will be a very, very tough game," admitted Benitez.
"But like tonight, we have enough experience of such matches and clearly the belief to succeed again."