Yossi Benayoun admits Liverpool must turn their attention to Benfica after Sunday's disappointing result against Birmingham.
The Reds let a one-goal lead slip at St Andrews to come away with a 1-1 draw which adds to the weight of their tough task of finishing fourth in the Premier League.
Liverpool are now four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, having played a game extra, and their only chance of salvaging some silverware this season comes in the form of the Europa League.
The Reds must overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Benfica if they are to make the last four of the competition, and Benayoun admits Thursday's return leg needs be their focus following the disappointing result at Birmingham.
"We are very disappointed with the draw, especially as we went 1-0 up and conceded a bad goal," Benayoun told the club's official website.
"We missed a few good chances and on another day we could have scored three or four, but all we can do now is think about the next game which is a very important one against Benfica.
"We have to play much better and have the belief we can do it. We are only 2-1 down and we have the away goal which could be crucial. I'm sure we can beat them.
"European nights are always great at Anfield in front of our supporters and we hope to give them another special night."
With just five games left to play in the Premier League, the Israel international is aware the result leaves the Reds with an uphill struggle to preserve their top-four status, but he insists they will fight to the wire.
"We have made it harder for ourselves now but all we can do is win the five games and hopefully the other teams will drop points," Benayoun said.
"Birmingham are a hard team to play against and they work very hard. They are having a good season. We knew we needed to win but we have to keep going.
"We won't give up and we will keep trying to make the top four."
The Reds let a one-goal lead slip at St Andrews to come away with a 1-1 draw which adds to the weight of their tough task of finishing fourth in the Premier League.
Liverpool are now four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, having played a game extra, and their only chance of salvaging some silverware this season comes in the form of the Europa League.
The Reds must overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Benfica if they are to make the last four of the competition, and Benayoun admits Thursday's return leg needs be their focus following the disappointing result at Birmingham.
"We are very disappointed with the draw, especially as we went 1-0 up and conceded a bad goal," Benayoun told the club's official website.
"We missed a few good chances and on another day we could have scored three or four, but all we can do now is think about the next game which is a very important one against Benfica.
"We have to play much better and have the belief we can do it. We are only 2-1 down and we have the away goal which could be crucial. I'm sure we can beat them.
"European nights are always great at Anfield in front of our supporters and we hope to give them another special night."
With just five games left to play in the Premier League, the Israel international is aware the result leaves the Reds with an uphill struggle to preserve their top-four status, but he insists they will fight to the wire.
"We have made it harder for ourselves now but all we can do is win the five games and hopefully the other teams will drop points," Benayoun said.
"Birmingham are a hard team to play against and they work very hard. They are having a good season. We knew we needed to win but we have to keep going.
"We won't give up and we will keep trying to make the top four."
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