Rafa's Reds relief

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Last updated: 21st February 2008  

Rafa's Reds relief

Gerrard: Liverpool hero

If ever Rafa Benitez needed a big performance from his players it was on Tuesday night at Anfield.

They may have left it late against 10-man Internazionale but goals from Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard have put the Reds in the driving seat for a UEFA Champions League quarter-final spot.

Can Liverpool keep up Benitez's impressive Champions League record and reach a third final, or is the Inter result another false dawn on Merseyside?

Carlos Tevez proved to be Manchester United's super-sub against Lyon with a late equaliser. How crucial could that away goal be for Sir Alex Ferguson's side?

Emmanuel Adebayor missed a glorious late chance for Arsenal against reigning champions AC Milan at Emirates Stadium. Could that miss prove to be costly ahead of the second leg at the San Siro?

And what of Avram Grant's Chelsea? There was nothing pretty about their performance in Greece but has a professional display put them in full control of their tie with Olympiakos?

Celtic twice took the lead against a star-studded Barcelona side, but were eventually overcome by the brilliance of Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry. Can Gordon Strachan's men upset the odds in Camp Nou?

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Comments (57)

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Tom Coffey (Liverpool fan) says...

The last time Liverpool were having a below par season they won the Champions League, and this season looks to be going the same way. Erratic performances in domestic tournaments but showing their pedigree in the European competitions. This could be their year yet again on the big stage. Rafael Benitez` ability to coach successful teams in European competitions is excellent following success with Valencia before he came to Anfield.

Posted 16:08 22nd February 2008

Terry Crawford says...

once again rafa pulled it together and its good to see. we deserved a win were good at banging on the door but no one ever answers but finally we got an answer 60games now 2 defeats well done lads. no reason we cant win this compition for the 6th time!!

Posted 11:18 22nd February 2008

Ian Burrows says...

I do wish the fans would just get behind Rafa now and realise how well he has done and is doing in the champions league - the important trophy that rightly belongs in our cabinet. Ok we may be falling slightly short again in our league season but we still have 18 titles to our account and the rest still has not caught us. Give us a little more time, we will be on our 19th. In the meantime let's go get that 6th champions league and leave the rest in shame.

Posted 10:56 22nd February 2008

Steve Fraser says...

Fantastic performance from the reds the other night. A bit lucky with the sending off, and I hate to see our own players going down to easily, but you have to say Materazzi was asking for it. Little kicks here and there, dirty little tricks to stop Torres, whom he knew had the better of him most of the time. He would have gone eventually. After that they became more defensive, which makes it all the more impressive that we eventually broke them down. Fantastic performance from Mascherano, who single-handedly stopped everything they took forward. My only gripe with Rafa is that he doesn't play Benayoun more. Rotate him with Pennant, and we're onto a winner, he's class. We'll win in Italy, then London, then Manchester, then Italy again, number 6 coming our way. YNWA.

Posted 09:19 22nd February 2008

Paul Davis (Liverpool fan) says...

Ali McCann saying Torres was despicable for getting Matterazzi sent off??? At least he didn't wink at the bench like the ever so genuine Ronaldo ( He didn't cry either come to think of it.........). Also the bitter blue - comment on Europe when you've been there and done a bit more - at least you're now playing a team we've heard of. The two yellows were soft in some respects but both were fouls and if you do that you run the risk of a yellow card. I don't agree with the level of rotation that Rafa uses and think its cost us a lot of continuity this season. The game is about teamwork and if you change the team for virtually every game then you are bound to be inconsistent. You pay your money and expect to see the best team possible every week. Hopefully he or his sucessor will realise that. I'd prefer it to be him as there's not a lot of quality out there. Hate him as I do I have to admit Ferguson tends to get his rotation about right.

Posted 09:16 22nd February 2008

Si Mcc (Liverpool fan) says...

I guess overall, Materazzi's sending off was harsh... The second was definately a yellow (I cannot understand why peopl feel it was harsh) but the first card shown was obviously wrong... That said, Liverpool were the better team and deserved their victory... Yes, we had elements of luck, but so did Inter (Viera handball) so I guess it evens itself out a little... The tie is still very much open and Inter will undoubtedly play on the front foot at home... I am still confident that we can see the tie out and qualify for the next stage... I'm hoping that we can transfer the same attidude we had against Inter towards league games...

Posted 07:56 22nd February 2008

Mark Gordon says...

Less of the stick for Torres...he is extremely quick, and the slightest knock of balance and he will fall. The 1st foul by Materazzi showed the character of Torres, by trying to stay on his feet. The performance however was very good. We started well, and even with 11 men I think Inter would have struggled. It takes a lot of patience when playing against a well organised Italian defence, and I believe we would have got the goals regardless of how many men were on the pitch. I admit it did help that some of the Inter players didnt turn up, namely Ibrahimovic. I think Liverpool, Utd and Chelsea will be the only British teams to progress, and I really think we can get to another final this year. Remember 2005? We done poor in the League and were put out of FA Cup by Burnley. I think thats a good omen, considering we have a better squad this year, and Anfield on a European night can intimidate any team. Bring on Utd in the final!!

Posted 15:03 21st February 2008

Chris Hughes (Manchester United fan) says...

having watched the liverpool inter game, i was not surprised that liverpool started on the front foot and inter at a more sedate pace, inter in my oppinion were keeping their formation intact and attempting to draw the sting out of ythe liverpool attack, not that they have much of one, (headless chickens comes to mind), had the referee decided not to give matterazzi two awful yellow cards, the first from near the centre circle when the so called offense was commited near the corner flag the result would have been alot different as liverpool created next to nothing against a well organised 10 man outfit, so against eleven a defeat was in the offing, i can see liverpool going out even now as this is still the same pile of trash thats miles off the pace in the league, out of the cups, ( lower league outfits giving them the runaround in the fa cup) i cannot see liverpool scoring at the san siro as i feel the qaulity of inter will win the day as long as the ref is not on a bung, i reckon inter will score in the fsrst 15 mins at home which will lead to the floodgates opening, i can see the tie finishing 3-2 or 4-2, one result does not make a great team , liverpool had one lucky nigh with an extra man on hand with the whistle, i knew before the game inter were not up for it, smiling in the tunnel is a tell tale sign, i remember AC at the san siro last year in the tunnel, they looked like they were going to war and duly spanked utd 3-0, i can see some of that for liverpool, watch this space !!!

Posted 14:44 21st February 2008

Paul Barber says...

Oh Dear - Gareth Fieldstead sounds like yet another "Bitter Blue" - one who cannot accept that Liverpool at least produced another quality performance to honour another superb European night at a pulsating Anfield !!! to clinch an historic 100 European victories... Anyone who knows Champions League football knows that referees are very strict on any type of physical contact, pulling, pushing or shirt pulling. Some experts might consider that Materazzi may have been dismissed harshly but he knows better than most how strict refs can be.. after the World Cup final encounter with Zidane!! Also Gareth may have momentarily forgotten there was a moment of Refereeing controversy when Everton played FC Brann last week in first-half injury time when Karadas bundled in Solli's corner to score a vital goal, but the Bulgarian referee Anton Genov ruled that Tim Howard had been fouled by Erik Bakke - so was that referee bent too!! Anyway, lets see how Everton perform tonight eh Gareth?? they should be easily through with 2 away goals - but with bent referees!! - well anything could happen couldn't it, after all tonight's Referee Nikolai Ivanov loves dishing out cards so let's see!! PS. I know Benitez has come in for some stick recently - but all managers are open to criticism at some point in a season - but if anyone doubts Rafa's ability to motivate and encorage his players to perform - let's not forget that historic night in Istanbul when his tactics and managements skills played a part in turning round a 3-0 deficit - to claim the European Cup for a 5th time... YNWA

Posted 14:01 21st February 2008

Tom Brooks (liverpool fan) says...

Yet again another sour Everton supporter..... how many cup finals has David Moyes led Everton to? Rafa is the man for Liverpool! also if the ref was so bent why did he give us a corner instead of a blatant hand ball? This league run isn't going to last for you schoolboys, Liverpool will bounce back!

Posted 13:48 21st February 2008

Darren Crowley (Liverpool fan) says...

In response to Gareth,the bitter Everton fan,so you think the ref was on our side when he turned away a blatant penalty for us! As for Torres going to ground to easily,two words,Andy Johnson! And you must've loved seeing Kuyt celebrate his goal as it would've reminded you of him doing it in front of your fans. . . twice!!

Posted 13:47 21st February 2008

Scott Thomas says...

The second leg, for Arsenal, at the San Siro will not be a daunting task per se. Wenger has won at the San Siro in the past (against Inter), and the performance at the Emirates in the first leg should provide enough confidence to score at least one goal. Provided Milan are held to at least one goal, they will have to score two, no? According to the away goals rule. The character, flair and desire in the Gooners will outlast any experience and technical ability that the Rossonerri will offer.

Posted 13:28 21st February 2008

James Blair says...

Seriously bothered about the continuing preference of Hargreaves over Carrick at the moment. I felt last year Carrick was one of the main reasons we won the league. His first touch and range of passing is superb and he works like a Trojan in front of the defence. Hargreaves in comparison is a one-trick pony and I'm not even convinced he's any good at that. He taps the ball to a better quality teammate when he has it and contributes nothing to the team going forward. A world class side can't carry anyone, all the players have to be capable of bringing a variety of play to the team. Hargreaves is supposed to be this great defensive midfielder but I don't see him doing any great level of tackling (maybe once or twice in a game) and his positional play is awful. Vidic even had a go at him during the game last night for not moving to give him an angle. I thought Ferguson had done a great job getting rid of all the donkeys over the last few years. Obviously not. The most expensive donkey of all time.

Posted 13:25 21st February 2008

David Mckenna (Liverpool fan) says...

Liverpool's win on Tuesday was fantastic and just what the fans deserved. I say the fans, because lets face it there's not been much to shout about lately. The Americans have done no favours to the club, but too many people are allowing that to distract the focus from the Manager. His tactics in the league have been poor, he's too defensive and thinks about the opposition to much, instead of focusing on Liverpool's strengths. I believe we have a good enough squad now to win the league, but only if they are allowed to play together consistently, and why Crouch can't get a regular run out with Torres to try an form a partnership is totally beyond me. Its time for the manager to start taking the blame. I sincerely hope that he leaves in the summer, he's ran his course and done well to an extent, but the further push that is now required is unfortunately beyond him.

Posted 12:33 21st February 2008

Kenny Lee (Liverpool fan) says...

Mr. Gareth, may I just remind you that you have failed to mention that a penalty kick should have been awarded to Liverpool due to Patrik Viera handball in the box as well as those numerous other handballs in the box. So things gets even out. Yes, Rafa is still the best at the mo. to us Liverpool fans. he has won us a few cups here and there within a spell of 3 1/2 years. Let alone 3 1/2 years, if I could have him for the next 30 years I would if he could win us a cup every other year. What has your great Mr. Moyes achieved over the last 6 years or more??? 100 million spent? Pal you have got to re-work your mathematics, the actual figure is far from it. We shall see how far Everton will go in the UEFA cup. At least Mr. Andy Flanagan's view is a more balance one.

Posted 12:29 21st February 2008

Neil Lucey says...

Firstly A K needs to see an optician....... and quick! What a complete idiot to suggest that Gerrard is overated! Fabergas, Ronaldo, Lampard, Kaka, Messi, Ronaldinho, would all sacrifice half there wages to have him in their team! He cant pass or dribble??? The two things that make him stand out from pretty much everyone in world football! Granted the second yellow was harsh but that is simply what football is about! Some things go your way and others don't. Thats why no matter who you support, you turn up week in, week out. I think its was 50/50 in terms of decisions on the night, with the penalty etc. It just brings me back to my point a few years ago when Mourinho said Chelsea were the better team over 2 legs... without a shot on target in 180 minutes. If you don't shoot you don't score! Inter were restricted to pop shots from distance. Is that lucky? or tactically brilliant?? A K should read the book "Football for dummies" Lets get an all English Semi final and show the world who's best! EPL is the place to be!

Posted 12:25 21st February 2008

Paul Scoringe (Liverpool fan) says...

Incredible how this Liverpool side can lose against Barnsley and win against Inter in the same week. I've hardly watched the team this season, sadly, but one thing is for certain: passion for wearing the red shirt is a vital ingredient to their success. Skill, team work, strategy immensely important, but great Liverpool teams of the past were often considered at their most dangerous when a goal down... their will to win, to never let the jersey down or the fans drove them on, sometimes past better opposition. Perhaps a little more of that is needed.. I dunno. While AK is barmy for thinking Stevie G is over rated, I'd have agreed if it was Harry Kewell. I struggle to see how the guy can keep a place in this squad. anyway, just some thoughts.

Posted 12:17 21st February 2008

Michael Dodd says...

Liverpool made Inter look like a non league team, we played fantastic football on Tuesday, the sort of football we want to see from Liverpool week in week out we could have scored more with Torres missing two great chances. There wasn't one poor player on Tuesday. Now let's go on and win it. I think we will get AC Milan again in the final.

Posted 12:09 21st February 2008

Brian Maley says...

Celtic can get a result in Barcelona if they attack. As good as Barca are going forward they look suspect at the back so Celtic should go all out for the win.

Posted 11:57 21st February 2008

Ramin Gewargis (Liverpool fan) says...

Liverpool outplayed Inter in every aspect, they deserved their two goal win and everyone that thinks otherwise are just bitter. We kept the most in-form team in Europe to ZERO shots on target. Yes, they had a player sent off but keeping them shotless just shows how much Liverpool dominated them.

Posted 11:55 21st February 2008
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