Rafa and Gerrard reaction

Wednesday 28th April 2005

Steven Gerrard and Rafael Benitez both believe that there is still plenty to do in the second leg at Anfield.

Rafa said:

'We have played a good game. The team worked hard and controlled the game, they had some chances but at the end a draw is a good result.

'We had more counter-attacks and they started playing with long balls.'

The Spanish boss admitted he thought Milan Baros' first-half header was in before Petr Cech got a hand on it to push it wide.

'On the bench you see the ball was almost in the goal but the goalkeeper is a good goalkeeper.'

'We knew what to do against Chelsea, we know they have a lot of good players who can create opportunities. The most important thing is we need only to win at Anfield.

'It is a good situation. We have very good supporters, they will be with us at Anfield and we need to win.

'We always have confidence and we need to believe in ourselves.'

Gerrard said:

"We defended well tonight. 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."

Xabi Alonso picked up a yellow card tonight which will rule him out of next Tuesday's second leg at Anfield.

And Gerrard added: "He is a magnificent passer but Dietmar Hamann is nearly fit and knocking on the door.

"It's set up for a great second leg."