Benitez: “I only think about the next match”

Ryan Babel’s superb strike in the 83th minute promised to be decisive against Olympique Lyon but Lisandro Lopez had other thoughts. His last gasp goal secured Lyon’s place in the next round while it minimized Liverpool’s chances on advancing to the Champions League’s last 16.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez doesn’t fear the axe. The Reds have won only one of their last eight matches. “I only think about the next match. That’s all. Of course we’re disappointed. We had a lot of chances and almost hailed the win. The draw is a huge letdown for us.

“Now we’ll have to beat Debreceni VSC and await Fiorentina’s result against Lyon.”

Fiorentina, who defeated Debreceni on Wednesday night (5-2), are five points ahead of Liverpool. If they lose the next match (at home against Lyon) and the Reds manage to see off Debreceni, the final match between Liverpool and Fiorentina will be decisive.

“We have to remain confident,” added Benitez. “We have proven in the past we can achieve great goals.

“I still have faith in my capabilities. I look at my players on the field and I can see they do their utter best. But this is football. Sometimes you’re lucky and sometimes you concede a goal at the last moment.”