Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is confident his side can avenge the 2006 Champions League elimination to Benfica when they take on the Portuguese giants in the Europa League quarter-final on Thursday.
The Reds lost 2-1 at the Estadio da Luz in the first leg last week, and must overturn the deficit at Anfield to progress to the semi-final stage.
When quizzed on Liverpool's previous elimination at the hands of Benfica in the Champions League, Benitez was keen to point out that his side are in a much better position than four years ago, when a 1-0 loss in Portugal was followed by a 2-0 reversal at Anfield.
"The situation is totally different," Benitez told reporters.
"We've scored an away goal and we've got a much better squad now, so hopefully we can manage in a better way.
"They have balance. They can attack and defend well and they have confidence, so it'll be tough for us.
"But we are doing well at home, especially in the last games. So we know Benfica are a good team but we have confidence we can beat them.
"It's an opportunity we have to win silverware. It'll be important for all the people here, the fans and the club. So we'll try to do our best."
Benitez is anticipating a trademark European night atmosphere at Anfield.
"I hope so," he said.
"The fans know backing the team is the biggest way to get a result, so they will be behind the players."
The Reds lost 2-1 at the Estadio da Luz in the first leg last week, and must overturn the deficit at Anfield to progress to the semi-final stage.
When quizzed on Liverpool's previous elimination at the hands of Benfica in the Champions League, Benitez was keen to point out that his side are in a much better position than four years ago, when a 1-0 loss in Portugal was followed by a 2-0 reversal at Anfield.
"The situation is totally different," Benitez told reporters.
"We've scored an away goal and we've got a much better squad now, so hopefully we can manage in a better way.
"They have balance. They can attack and defend well and they have confidence, so it'll be tough for us.
"But we are doing well at home, especially in the last games. So we know Benfica are a good team but we have confidence we can beat them.
"It's an opportunity we have to win silverware. It'll be important for all the people here, the fans and the club. So we'll try to do our best."
Benitez is anticipating a trademark European night atmosphere at Anfield.
"I hope so," he said.
"The fans know backing the team is the biggest way to get a result, so they will be behind the players."
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