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Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said that work on the training ground paid off in their penalty shoot-out win over Chelsea in the Champions League.

Liverpool trailed 1-0 after the first leg of the semi-final but levelled the scores in normal time and scored each of their spot-kicks to reach the final.

He said after the 4-1 shoot-out win: “We had confidence because our players practice in every training session.

“Pepe Reina is a player who is always good with penalties.”

Benitez also praised the contribution of the Anfield crowd.

“Every player and every supporter deserves the win – the atmosphere was amazing.”

“It was difficult – we needed to score and not concede,” Benitez continued.

“I thought we started well. After that we were under pressure because they have very good players and they were playing with Drogba, Robben, Wright-Phillips and then Kalou and it was very difficult to control them.

“We scored the goal but it was difficult to keep the clean sheet until the end. The penalties were very good and now we can enjoy.”

The former Valencia coach admitted he would enjoy watching Manchester United’s visit to Milan in tonight’s second semi-final but had no preference as to the team he’d like to meet in the final.

“If I say I want Manchester United then the people in Milan will be disappointed and if I say Milan the people in Manchester will be disappointed so I prefer just to enjoy,” he added.

Skipper Steven Gerrard was delighted after leading his side to their second Champions League final in three years.

“The first time round was special but to do it again after being a goal down to a magnificent team like Chelsea is unbelievable,” he said.

“Together we achieved it.

“The atmosphere helped, the manager’s tactics, everything was spot on. But we crossed the line and we stuck together.

“Every player and every supporter deserves the win – the atmosphere was amazing,” continued Gerrard.

“We have the best goalkeeper in the world. But all credit to Chelsea.”

Kuyt, who scored the crucial penalty, added: “It was very special for me – it will be my first final in my first year at Liverpool.

“We just believed in it. Pepe Reina was fabulous.”

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