[lfc-news] Rafa: We can win place in final - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 27 April 2005
RAFA: WE CAN WIN PLACE IN FINAL
By Paul Eaton

Rafael Benitez believes Liverpool are now firmly in the driving seat of
their Champions League semi-final following a battling 0-0 draw at Chelsea.

The two teams will meet again at Anfield next week with a place in the
final at stake for the winners, and Benitez is confident his players can
produce another European performance to savour.

He said: "If you'd said to me at the start of the competition that we'd
have to win a game at Anfield to reach the final then I'd have taken it.

"I think we performed well at Chelsea and deserved the draw. We
controlled the game for long periods and forced them to play long balls,
which we were able to deal with.

"At half time we spoke about their midfielders running free and as soon
as we sorted that out we did much better.

"I think it was another good performance from us in Europe. Now we go
back to Anfield to play in front of our crowd and I know they will be
right behind us on the night."

The Reds will be without Xabi Alonso for the tie after the Spaniard
picked up a late booking, but Benitez says they will cope in his absence.

"Firstly, I don't think he touched Gudjohnsen," said the boss. "But we
will be without him and we'll have to look for other options. We have
played a lot of games without Xabi this season and we will do it again."

Steven Gerrard has insisted Liverpool will be able to cope without Alonso.

Gerrard admits Alonso's absence will be a blow, but he is backing the
Reds to build on their 0-0 result from the first leg and progress to the
final.

He said: "Of course it's a massive blow for us because Xabi is a great
passer of the ball and he can get things going in midfield for us.

"But there's going to be an opening for someone else now. Didi Hamann is
knocking on the door again after injury and maybe he can get back in time.

"We defended well. We know the tie's not over - it's only half-time.
Ideally we would have liked to nick a goal but hopefully our fans will
lift the roof off in the second leg.

"0-0 is a good result because they've got world class players.

"It's going to be a massive night with a brilliant atmosphere. May the
best team win."

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