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Upbeat Rafa looks to the positives

12 Mar 2010 - 07:59:01

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Rafael Benitez believes a much-improved Liverpool were unfortunate to lose the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie 1-0 to Lille on Thursday night.

Eden Hazard's late strike separated the sides at the Stade Metropole and left the Reds with an uphill battle on their hands to progress to the quarter-finals.

However, Benitez was heartened after claiming the performance in France answered his calls for a response following Monday's 1-0 Premier League defeat at the hands of Wigan Athletic.

"I think it was an improvement," said the satisfied Spaniard afterwards. "The reaction has been very positive. I am disappointed with the result, but really pleased with the effort of the players.

"I would be worried today if the players hadn't worked as hard as they have.

"In any competition it is important to try and score away, particularly in this one. It is a great advantage if you do. If not you have to be strong, but I think we were strong enough today.

"We had two or three situations, so that was a pity, but the reaction was good and we still have 90 minutes to play."

Benitez is now confident that his side can turn the tie around in the second leg at Anfield next week.

"Lille are a good side, with good players and they are dangerous," he continued. "We will play a difficult game at Anfield but have confidence we can beat them."