We deserved more, says Rafael Benitez

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An equaliser from Torres sent the tie into extra-time but the striker was then substituted in the 99th minute and Liverpool ran out of steam losing 3-2 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate.

Benitez said: "The third goal almost killed the game. We had good chances and the team was strong enough mentally and physically. We just ran out of time.

"Torres was injured and had problems with his hamstring so I needed to change it in extra-time.

"I thought when we scored I was really pleased and thought we could progress. Now I need to think about the future. I am proud of my team.

"We worked really hard until the end and the team kept going. I thought we deserved more, especially in the first game."

Benitez felt the first-leg draw at Anfield - where John Arne Riise's injury-time own goal pulled Chelsea level - had a huge influence and revealed Tom Hicks, who has been locked in a feud with co-owner George Gillett, had congratulated the Reds.

"It is a big difference to come here with a 1-0 lead instead of 1-1," said the Liverpool manager. "Chelsea are a good team and in the first half they were really good. There are two good teams in the final.

"We need to keep working. We have two more games and we will try to win them and improve the squad for next season.

"Tom Hicks came into the dressing room and said, 'Good effort, good job and we were unlucky.' He was very positive."