Benitez: Reds have advantage
03 Apr 2008 - 08:07:57
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes his side has the advantage after securing an away goal in the 1-1 Champions League quarter-final first leg draw with Arsenal.
The Reds bounced back from conceding an opener to Emanuel Adebayor to force a leveller through Dirk Kuyt's close-range finish in a tight first encounter at the Emirates Stadium.
But afterwards, Benitez was adamant that it is his side who is on the front foot in the tie ahead of next week's second leg at Anfield.
He said: "We are in a good position. It was really important for us to score so fast.
"I think it's crucial to score an away goal in Europe.
"Arsenal is a team that can also score away from home but at least we now have this option in our hands for the second leg.
"It was an important goal for us and the understanding between Torres and Gerrard is really good. Gerrard created the chance and Kuyt was there and it was really important for us.
"I think the result is really good - it's the Champions League and we were away from home in Europe."
Meanwhile, Benitez claimed a second-half penalty shout for the Gunners when Kuyt appeared to pull back Alex Hleb under the nose of the referee was not worthy of a spot-kick.
"I was watching the replay and I don't think it's clear," he added.
"In England it is not a penalty."