Benítez happy with job well done

Liverpool FC breezed into the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, their 3-1 victory at Bayer 04 Leverkusen matching their first-leg win at Anfield to the delight of manager Rafael Benítez. Luis García struck twice in a five-minute first-half period to give the Reds an overwhelming advantage and Milan Baroš extended the lead after the break. Jacek Krzynówek struck late on for the Bundesliga side.

Rafael Benítez, Liverpool manager
We did really well in the first half, applying pace and pressure and scoring goals. The second half was somewhat easier as we made another goal. We have played some good games in the Champions League, for instance against [RC] Deportivo La Coruña which was even better than this one. In the first half we did everything perfectly. For the supporters, the staff and the players it is very good to stay in the Champions League. We have several weeks now to enjoy it. We all worked hard for it. Our plan is to wait for the draw and then think about the next game. We are not yet thinking of winning the Champions League. We have increased our self-confidence and there are no easy games now.

Klaus Augenthaler, Leverkusen coach
Congratulations to Liverpool, they deserved to go through. When five regular players are missing it is very difficult although we wanted to impress. No sooner did we have two chances for Landon Donovan and França, than Liverpool scored which was crucial. The positive aspects are that our young players could compete with great players such as [John Arne] Riise, Baroš or [Steven] Gerrard. We have to absorb the defeat and get back on our feet in the Bundesliga.