Rangers know a win in Fiorentina would put them through to their first European Final in 38 years. A 0-0 first-leg at Ibrox leaves the tie on a knife edge. Click here for the latest betting!

Rafael Benitez was left ruing missed opportunities as his Liverpool side were knocked out of the Champions League by Chelsea.

“We did not finish our chances,” said a disconsolate Benitez.

“We did not play as we can in the first half but in the second, and early in extra-time, we were the better side.

“But we could not capitalise and their goals killed us. I’m still proud.”

Didier Drogba got two of the Chelsea goals, but Benitez – who had accused the Ivorian of diving – insisted he had no regrets about his pre-match comments.

“I don’t think so,” he said. “When you play a semi-final in the Champions League I don’t think you think about anything other than that and that’s the same for him (Drogba) I’m sure.”

And the Liverpool boss rubbished suggestions his remarks had inspired Drogba.
“More motivation than to play a final? No, I don’t think so,” he said.

Benitez added he had no complaints about the referee, who awarded Chelsea a penalty when Sami Hyypia brought down Michael Ballack.

“The referee was OK, I cannot complain for the referee because I think he was not bad. Sometimes it is for you, sometimes against, but I think he wasn’t the difference,” said Benitez.

The Spaniard also explained why he took off leading scorer Torres immediately after Chelsea’s second goal.

“He had a problem with his hamstring,” said Torres.

“I was talking before with him, he told me he was not 100% so we needed to change him.”

Benitez said he was “really” proud of his team, adding: “I think they worked really hard until the end. When we scored the goal we were in the game”.

Rangers know a win in Fiorentina would put them through to their first European Final in 38 years. A 0-0 first-leg at Ibrox leaves the tie on a knife edge. Click here for the latest betting!