Gerrard feels Liverpool have what it takes to reach final

It proved an unstoppable force two years ago as Juventus and Chelsea were swept aside in the latter stages, and even being 3-0 down at half-time in the final against AC Milan failed to stop them becoming European champions for a fifth time.

Barcelona were added to the list of big scalps in this season's last 16, but Gerrard believes a ruthless exposure of PSV Eindhoven's weaknesses signalled Liverpool's intentions just as clearly.

The label of favourites has often proved an inhibiting presence for Rafa Benitez's side, but not in Eindhoven on Tuesday. The understrength and out-of-form Dutch league leaders were torn apart in a 3-0 Liverpool win that left PSV coach Ronald Koeman, so often the scourge of English sides, admitting the quarter-final tie was over.

Gerrard reflected on the ease with which Liverpool met every expectation and hailed it as compelling evidence that they are in the mood to go all the way again.

The Liverpool skipper said: "When we played Barcelona, everyone was doubting us, but we showed what we are capable of by putting the defending champions out. It was the reverse in Eindhoven. Everyone was expecting us to beat PSV and, in a way, that put us under even more pressure.

"That was the pleasing aspect for me. We did a really good job and put one foot in the last four, and that showed we can perform when the pressure is on as well as when we are underdogs.

"I keep telling myself to slow down a bit and remember there is a lot more work to be done before we can think about the final in Athens, but we are getting that same feeling we had in 2005.

"We have to be professional about the second leg, and it is clear we will face two really tough games in the semi-final, whether it be Chelsea or Valencia.

"But if you look round our team now, all the big names, like Jamie Carragher, Pepe Reina and Xabi Alonso are performing well. I feel I am getting there as well, so it is a good sign."

Gerrard reached another significant milestone when his 27thminute header made him Liverpool's record European Cup scorer, ahead of Ian Rush, on 15 goals.

He admitted being "a bit embarrassed", given how he revered Rush as a youngster, but it was nothing compared to how flustered he felt over his misfiring early-season form.

"I didn't have much energy and was going into games not feeling the way I normally do," he said.

"I only had a short rest after a World Cup that had been draining mentally and physically, and I felt lethargic. I was tired against Arsenal on Saturday after all the travelling with England, but generally I am getting a lot better.

"I could feel bits and bobs of my game coming back before Christmas and I feel sharp at the moment. Hopefully, I am peaking at the right time."

Fabio Aurelio underwent surgery after rupturing his right achilles tendon against PSV and will miss the rest of the season.