Rafa's sigh of relief as Reds ride their luck

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insisted his side were lucky to have escaped from their Champions League ordeal against Standard Liege with their interest in the competition still intact.

Benitez was indebted to goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who saved a first-half penalty, for securing a 0-0 draw.

The Spaniard also looked to have clawed another effort back from behind the goal-line in a first-half when the Belgians threatened to overrun the Anfield side.

Benitez said: "We were very lucky to have got away with a draw.

"It was a very disappointing performance. The team know they have to improve."

Benitez is putting his faith in a much-improved display in the second leg at Anfield in a fortnight.

If not, then Liverpool could go the same way as Rangers, who have also failed to get to the group stages of the lucrative competition.

Benitez said: "It will be different at Anfield, where we are expected to win and we will have our own fans behind us. Liege had their very noisy fans for the first leg."