Liverpool will make it to Europa League final eight, says Rafael Benitez

Bystaff and agencies 917AM GMT twelve March 2010

Upbeat Rafael Benitez in assured his side will swell to the last eight in the Europe League notwithstanding longed for opportunities Photo AP

Having weathered the early charge from the hosts both Ryan Babel and Fernando Torres had great chances to put their side forward prior to half-time notwithstanding them struggling for possession.

Babel shot as well close to Mickael Landreau carrying exchanged passes with Torres, who himself saw a header denied by a shining low save from the goalkeeper.

Lille 1 Liverpool 0 Liverpool v Portsmouth preview Allardyce argument with Rafael Benitez will go on Benitez warns players to stop finger indicating Lille v Liverpool compare preview FA no movement over Steven Gerrard "V sign"

But usually when it looked as though Liverpool would turn usually the second side in twenty-two matches to keep a purify piece at the Stade Lille Metropole winger Eden Hazard twisted an 85th-minute free-kick over the Liverpool defence, past a immobile Jose Reina and inside the far post.

And the tie would have had a utterly opposite mettle had surrogate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang"s late shot rebounded in off the post and not at the back of for a goal-kick.

"When you fool around afar you have to measure when you have chances," pronounced Benitez. "We had dual or 3 great chances and, quite in this competition, you have to measure afar since it is an advantage.

"But there is still 90 mins to fool around and we will have to fool around well at Anfield and do the job. I am assured we can kick any one at Anfield on the day with the fans at the back of us."

Benitez apportioned no censure to Reina for the idea as Hazard"s inswinging bid could simply have been headed in by Lille player or taken a deflection off a defender.

"It was a great smoothness and unequivocally formidable for the keeper," pronounced the Spaniard, who certified he was gratified to see a much-improved opening after the catastrophic better at Wigan on Monday.

Benitez combined "The players" greeting has been unequivocally positive. I am unhappy with the outcome but unequivocally gratified with the bid of the players. They were fantastic."

Liverpool face a outrageous 7 days subsequent week as they face Premier League bottom side Portsmouth on Monday and Lille on Thursday prior to travelling to Manchester United the following Sunday.

But Benitez pronounced he would not insert one more significance to any one tie as, effectively, his side had to win each compare in between right away and the finish of the debate if they are to deliver something from a unsatisfactory year.

"For each tip side, generally when you are not carrying a great season, each diversion is important," he added.

"We have to be ready for Monday"s Premier League compare opposite Portsmouth and to win and afterwards be ready for 90 mins in the Europa League."

Lille manager Rudi Garcia felt his side were estimable winners but wants them to finish the pursuit at Anfield.

"I think we deserved to win. I am confident with what we showed and we will do all we can to qualify," he said.

"But we will need to measure in the second leg, we can"t go there and fool around for a 0-0."