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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Concentration the key for Benítez

/noticias.info/ Liverpool FC got their UEFA Champions League defence off to a great start with two goals in the first 14 minutes against Real Betis Balompié, but were forced to hold on to earn a 2-1 win in Seville. Florent Sinama-Pongolle executed a perfect lob to open the scoring in the second minute before Luis García converted a low Boudewijn Zenden cross. Arzu reduced arrears, firing through José Manuel Reina's legs six minutes after half-time, but the Spanish side could not turn possession into goals and Rafael Benítez's team held on for a precious away win.

Llorenc Serra Ferrer, Betis coach
I think we could have won the match. In the first 15 minutes we did not have enough concentration and intensity. But from then on we made a lot of chances to win the game. We lacked calm and accuracy in front of goal. After the first half we played without fear and enjoyed a handful of very clear chances. Betis challenged Liverpool until full time but it is not normal to concede two goals at home so early. The first goal was a bit of a fluke, but sometimes these things happen. Now we must forget this match and prepare for our next game against Real Zaragoza.

Rafael Benítez, Liverpool manager
We controlled the game very well in the first half, but they scored very soon after the beginning of the second half, so I decided to make some changes. Steven [Gerrard] was a little tired so I decided to line up with all my fresh players from the start of the match. It's very important to start with a win. Betis are a good team and the fans supported them throughout, but we began the match more concentrated than them. In football you have to score goals to win games and we managed to get one more than they did.

Joaquín Sánchez, Betis winger
We were really naïve at the beginning. After the two goals, we attacked constantly and almost stole the match. We can take some positives from the game, and we know we can face the top teams and enjoy ourselves.

José Manuel Reina, Liverpool goalkeeper
It was important to score the first goal and we played very well at the start. They were obliged to take the game to us and they had their chance to win it. notas_de_prensa_archivo