Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is proud of the club's supporters and players after the Reds booked their place in the UEFA Champions League final at the expense of Chelsea. The five-time European champions advanced after a 4-1 penalties victory over their fellow countrymen at Anfield following a 1-1 aggregate draw. "I am really, really proud of my players," the Spanish tactician, who guided Liverpool to one Champions League triumph in 2005 and one FA Cup last season, told the post-match press conference. "Our supporters were fantastic and the atmosphere was amazing and we are going to enjoy this victory." Benitez heaped special praise on Spanish keeper Jose Reina, who blocked two spot kicks to lead Liverpool to a place in the competition's final in Athens. "Pepe Reina was fantastic in the penalty shoot-out and he is an expert when it comes to that. This is a really important victory for the club and for the future."
Mourinho The former Valencia manager believes that this win is even better than the one over Chelsea in 2005, which was decided by a controversial strike from Luis Garcia. On the other hand, Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho insisted his side were better than Liverpool despite missing out on the final for the third time under the Portuguese's tenure. "Chelsea tried to win the game, over 90 minutes and over extra-time. We showed by the way we played, we wanted to win the game." "Liverpool had a short good period in the first-half but after that, the best team was in blue." Despite the disappointment, Mourinho believes the players can handle this hard situation. "It is difficult but we are strong characters and that is the reason why we arrive in such a situation. We believe always there is a next chance and there is another year," he concluded.
