SPAIN: SOCCER / FOOTBALL - Press conferences by Liverpool and Barcelona coaches Rafael Benitez and Frank Rijkaard after Liverpool defeat Barcelona 2-1 in the first leg of their Champion League match

Record ID: 1534807

  • Title: SPAIN: SOCCER / FOOTBALL - Press conferences by Liverpool and Barcelona coaches Rafael Benitez and Frank Rijkaard after Liverpool defeat Barcelona 2-1 in the first leg of their Champion League match
  • Date: 23rd February 2007
  • Summary: FAN LOOKING AT SCARVES SCARVES VARIOUS OF LIVERPOOL FANS SECURITY AT STADIUM LIVERPOOL FANS ARRIVE FOR MATCH LIVERPOOL FANS SINGING FANS BEING SEARCHED AS THEY ENTER STADIUM
  • Embargoed: 15th March 2007 10:55
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Spain
  • Country: Spain
  • Topics: Sport
  • Reuters ID: LVA3R1JQ5OLWQV6DNMQDM5NTQ857
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
  • Story Text: Liverpool's preparations for Wednesday's (February 21) 2-1 first leg win were marred by an altercation between striker Craig Bellamy and defender John-Arne Riise, who both scored to make Liverpool the first side in nearly four years to beat the Barcelona in Europe at their own stadium.
    "I think that the training camp in Portugal was really helpful for us because we were training well, very well," said Benitez. "The commitment of the players was very good, before and after the problems, and then I think it wouldn't talk bout this, it wouldn't have any problems, it would be the same because the atmosphere between the players is very good."
    "You see (John Arne) Riise and (Craig) Bellamy scoring the goals, I think it was a coincidence, you must be really happy and pleased for them."
    Despite Liverpool becoming the first English side to win at the Nou Camp since they beat Barca in the UEFA Cup semi-finals in 1976, Benitez remained cautious about his side's chances of deposing their successors as European champions.
    "It's clear that we have a good chance now, but as I said before we need to be careful," said the former Valencia coach.
    "Barcelona is really good playing counter-attack, they have very good offensive players and we need to do our best."
    Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard said they face an uphill battle to turn the tie around at Anfield on March 6.
    "The situation is complicated, but we still have to play 90 minutes and anything can happen," said the Dutchman referring to the second leg.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2020. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
Register