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After the victory in the penalty shootout against London's Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, strategist Rafael Benitez stated that the main factor of success was hard work in training.
The "Reds" were trailing 1-0 after the first leg, but won the main response match 1-0, maintained this lead in extra time, and triumphed 4-1 in the penalty shootout.
"We believed in our own strength, because the players work hard hitting penalties in every training session," said the strategist. "And Pepe Reina always deals excellently with penalties."
R. Benitez also thanked the fans gathered at Anfield stadium: "Every player and every fan deserved the victory - the atmosphere was fantastic."
Celebrating reaching the Champions League final for the second time in three years, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard said: "It was something special the first time (2005 - ed. note), but to repeat it when we were trailing 1-0 against such a wonderful team as Chelsea is simply unbelievable."
"We achieved this together," the Englishman said. "The atmosphere helped, the coach's tactical schemes helped - everything was great."
"We have the best goalkeeper in the world," the defender praised P. Reina, who saved two penalties in the penalty shootout. "But respect must also be shown to Chelsea."
