RAFA AND STEVIE POST-HAIFA

Craig Bellamy scored on his Anfield debut

Rafa Benitez and Steven Gerrard breathed a huge sigh of relief after Mark Gonzalez's 88th minute winner against Maccabi Haifa gave Liverpool some breathing space for the second leg in two weeks time.

Speaking to the media Rafa had this to say:

"It was a good situation for us to see Mark Gonzalez score and it was fantastic for him and the team."

"Mark is a player with a lot of quality. He can score goals as we saw tonight and he can also beat players.

"It was also important for Craig Bellamy to score on his debut and we must be pleased with the win. Gonzalez and Bellamy give us more possibilities to score goals.

"We knew this would be a difficult game as they have quality players and play a good counter attack. In the first half we didn't create a lot of clear chances but in the second half we were much better as we regained more second balls and had more possibilities.

"I wouldn't say we are now favourites to go through but I think we will be better in the second leg as they now have to come out and attack us so hopefully we will have more space. We have a little advantage and we will be a lot fitter."

Steven Gerrard was pleased with Bellamy and Gonzalez's contribution too:

"We made hard work of it I suppose. But we go there winning 2-1 and they have got to beat us. We can still improve, we are still looking for 100% fitness. It was hard work out there.

"We've got another two weeks' training and we'll be a better side come the second leg. [The goals were] what we bought Craig for and Mark came on towards the end and got the vital goal. That's what we bought them for."

The Haifa coach, Roni Levy, was a bit deflated at the final whistle:

"I am disappointed with this result, especially after taking the lead.

"To concede two goals like that has made it hard. We would have a better chance if the second leg was in Tel Aviv, but at least only a 2-1 deficit means that we can still dream of what might be in the future.

"For us, a small club, to take the lead at a big club like this was exceptional.

"We felt that we worked hard and deserved more, a draw would really have given our dreams a boost."

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