Benitez relieved at 'scary' win

Rafael Benitez admitted Liverpool were not at their best

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez admitted he was relieved after a narrow win against Marseille clinched a place in the Champions League knockout stage.

Steven Gerrard's header sealed a 1-0 win and Benitez said: "The second half was a bit scary and it was definitely not the best game of football.

"The most important thing for us is that we know the job is now done.

"We were a bit scared but we knew we had the quality to win the game and go through to the last 16."

Liverpool now face a fight with Atletico Madrid to finish top of group D, with an away game at PSV Eindhoven to come.

Benitez added: "It's just about finishing the job now. I'm not sure what side I will play. We have won the group before and lost in the second round to Benfica so you never know."

Match-winner Gerrard, back in the side following a groin injury, paid tribute to striker Fernando Torres after the victory.

He said: "Fernando is the key. Playing behind him is great for me. His runs are great. Tonight I scored the goal but I'm sure if the manager keeps playing us together I will provide him with a few.

"It was a nervy match but still a job well done. We wanted all three points and a clean sheet and we got both of those.

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"It was a frustrating second half for us. We lost control a bit and there are a few things that need looking at. They are organised and fighting to stay in the competition.

"We knew that it would be a difficult tie but we stuck together and hopefully in a few days the second-half performance will be forgotten."