Liverpool started the game with pace, energy, and aggression and Yossi Benayoun almost put the reds ahead with a shot after 3 minutes.

Liverpool were behind 1-0 after the first round in Spain and needed to win by two clear goals to go through to the Europa League final.

The first goal came on 44 minutes when Alberto Aquilani got on the end of a cross from Benayoun and slotted home a goal. Benayoun was once again the key man on the pitch and scored the second goal with a half-volley on 95 minutes.

It all looked good for Liverpool at this point, but a long period of extra-time saw Diego Forlan fire home a Jose Antonio Reyes cross to end Liverpool’s hopes of a Europa League final.

Atletico Madrid will go to play Fulham in the final.

Video Highlights from Liverpool Vs Athletico Madrid (29th April 2010)

Liverpool 1-0 Atletico Madrid (Aquilani)

Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid (Benayoun)

Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid (Forlan)

Read more on sportal.com.au

The only potential signs of stress came when Benfica scored their first goal to make the score 3-1 – another goal for Benfica at this point could have meant victory for Benfica as they would have had the advantage of the away goals.

Liverpool soon put any signs of danger to bed as Torres lifted home a sublime finish over the goalkeeper to give The Reds a 5-3 aggregate win and a place in the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Benetiz said:
“It was a good game and because the other team was very good you can say four goals was a fantastic performance, but I think we have played better this season. Any win is important, especially at this stage of a competition. If we can get to the final and win the final we will be very pleased. Hopefully we can play well, score goals, get closer to the top four and get to the final.”

Liverpool could now potentially face Atletico Madrid, the former club of Fernando Torres.

Watch the highlights and goals below:

Liverpool 1-0 Benfica (Kuyt):

Liverpool 2-0 Benfica (Lucas Leiva):

Liverpool 3-0 Benfica (Torres)

Liverpool 3-1 Benfica (Cardozo)

Liverpool 4-1 Benfica (Torres)

FULL HIGHLIGHTS OF LIVERPOOL VS BENFICA:

Daniel Agger slotted home a goal to give Liverpool an early lead, but they were soon pushed out of their comfort zone when Ryan Babel was sent off and they struggled to contain a fast and in form Benfica.

Rafa Benitez said:
“It was not a serious offence. I’m disappointed with the decision but we can’t change things now. “We have to move forward, prepare for the game and score the goal we need.”

“I prefer to be calm and be positive,” he insisted. “We made some mistakes but we have to be positive and think about the next game. The team was working very hard and with the fans behind us we can progress in the competition. The fans will be important at Anfield. Hopefully we will not need to push too hard, just push and play well and score goals.”

Watch the highlights from Liverpool Vs Benfica below:

Liverpool 1 Benfica 0:

Babel Sent Off:

Benfica 1-1 Liverpool (Cardozo)

Benfica 2 Liverpool 1

Thursday, 18 March 2010: Europa League
Liverpool 3 – Lille 0

• Gerrard (pen) 9
• Torres 49
• Torres 90

Liverpool 1-0 Lille (Gerrard):

Liverpool 2-0 Lille (Torres):

Liverpool 3-0 Lille (Torres):

Full Highlights:

Babel Chance:

Gerrard chance:

Benitez said:
“I am confident we can beat anyone at Anfield on our day with the fans behind us. We were just not strong enough today but there is still 90 minutes to play.”

“When you play away you have to score when you have chances. To score an early goal you can manage the game but we worked hard today,”

“It was an improvement from the last game. The players’ reaction has been very positive,” he stated.

“I am disappointed with the result but really pleased with the effort of the players. They were fantastic today.”

“It was against a good team on a difficult pitch.”