Reds want to win Europa trophy for Torres: Benayoun

Yossi Benayoun believes a Europa League triumph will be the perfect way for him and his Liverpool team-mates to demonstrate their gratitude to injured striker Fernando Torres.

Torres is sidelined following minor knee surgery and will miss Thursday’s semi-final first leg meeting with his former club Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital.

“Fernando is the best striker in the world and with him it is much easier but unfortunately he is injured and cannot play,” said Benayoun. “We need to give more to try to play for him because he won us a lot of games and played a big part in us getting to the semi-final.

“I wanted for him to play against his old club because that would have been a special moment for him.

“Last time we played them (in the Champions League last season) he couldn’t play. He deserves to play against his old fans but this is football and life.

“We need to try to win the game for him and all the club.”

A 3-0 Premier League win over West Ham on Monday night lifted spirits in the Liverpool camp ahead of what was expected to be a 24-hour train journey to Madrid.

“It is always good to get the win and get the confidence back before a big game on Thursday,” added Benayoun. “We are in a good mood to go to Madrid and try to win.

“We want to win a trophy and we are now very close so we need to do everything to make sure we get a good result to bring back for the second leg.

“It has been a disappointing season so far and we need to finish with a trophy to give everyone a better feeling.

“Winning the Europa League would give us a better feeling but if we don’t finish top four (in the Premier League) we cannot say it is a success – but any trophy you win is great for any club.

“Of course we’d prefer to be in the Champions League and win that but the Europa League is interesting and there are a lot of good teams.”