Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has praised his side after they beat Benfica 4-1 on Thursday to progress to the Europa League semi-finals.
The quarter-final second leg tie at Anfield saw goals from Dirk Kuyt, Lucas Leiva and a brace from Fernando Torres as the Reds progress past the Portuguese giants, who pulled one back through Oscar Cardozo.
Benitez singled out Lucas for particular praise for the emphatic result, and is aiming to arrive in the final against familiar opposition.
"To be in the semi-final of a European competition is really good for us," Benitez told reporters.
"Hopefully now we can see Fulham in the final because it would be good to have two English teams there. The performance of the team pleased me most.
"Everyone played really well but especially Lucas. We try to win every game. If we can get to the final and win the final then I will be really pleased but we must target both that and finishing in the top four."
Attention must now turn to the Premier League, where a top four finish is the aim for the club. Coincidentally, their next opponents are fellow Europa League semi-finalists Fulham.
The quarter-final second leg tie at Anfield saw goals from Dirk Kuyt, Lucas Leiva and a brace from Fernando Torres as the Reds progress past the Portuguese giants, who pulled one back through Oscar Cardozo.
Benitez singled out Lucas for particular praise for the emphatic result, and is aiming to arrive in the final against familiar opposition.
"To be in the semi-final of a European competition is really good for us," Benitez told reporters.
"Hopefully now we can see Fulham in the final because it would be good to have two English teams there. The performance of the team pleased me most.
"Everyone played really well but especially Lucas. We try to win every game. If we can get to the final and win the final then I will be really pleased but we must target both that and finishing in the top four."
Attention must now turn to the Premier League, where a top four finish is the aim for the club. Coincidentally, their next opponents are fellow Europa League semi-finalists Fulham.
1 comment:
lucas and rafa`s stubbornes cost as dearly this season. the lad scored one goal in 40 games, and benitez finally find a reason to glow over the lfc fan`s nerves. I forebode the intention for keeping lucas in club and play him next year, and its looks alike pretty gloomy prospect for liverpool fc. also, some recents comments made me to think that aquilani is rather to the exit door, and thats add to depression. anybody there to put a words of wisdom to the boss?
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