Benitez "proud" of Reds effort
Rafael Benitez hails "character and quality" of Liverpool
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Barcelona eased into the Champions League last four with a 5-1 aggregate win over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. |  |
Wednesday, 15, Apr 2009 10:09
Rafael Benitez has spoken of the "character and quality" of his Liverpool squad following their 4-4 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League.
An incredible game saw the Reds - who needed to score at least three times and win by two clear goals - take a 2-0 lead in the first half before being pegged back in the second.
And despite Dirk Kuyt giving the visiting fans something to cheer with a powerful header five minutes from time to make the scoreline 4-3 in Liverpool's favour, a late strike from Frank Lampard ended any lingering hopes of a remarkable comeback.
Afterwards, Benitez told reporters: "We showed character and quality and we have to be really proud.
"The players have done a fantastic job and the fans will be really pleased with the team."
Benitez claimed his team "were on top from the beginning" a reserved special praise for young Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva, who filled in for injured captain Steven Gerrard.
"Credit must go to all the players, but especially Lucas in the middle," the Spaniard continued.
"In the position of Steven Gerrard he worked extremely hard. The players were pushing and pushing and we were very close.
"I think, clearly, when you lose you have to be disappointed but when you lose in this way you have to be proud and have your head up."
Chelsea go on to face Barcelona in the semi-finals of the competition after the Spanish league leaders ensured safe passage with a 1-1 draw away to Bayern Munich - a 5-1 aggregate win.