Rafa's sigh of relief as Reds ride their luck

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Benitez was indebted to goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who saved a first-half penalty, for securing a 0-0 draw.

The Spaniard also looked to have clawed another effort back from behind the goal-line in a first-half when the Belgians threatened to overrun the Anfield side.

Benitez said: "We were very lucky to have got away with a draw.

"It was a very disappointing performance. The team know they have to improve."

Benitez is putting his faith in a much-improved display in the second leg at Anfield in a fortnight.

If not, then Liverpool could go the same way as Rangers, who have also failed to get to the group stages of the lucrative competition.

Benitez said: "It will be different at Anfield, where we are expected to win and we will have our own fans behind us. Liege had their very noisy fans for the first leg."