Benitez thrilled with captain fantastic

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Liverpool were behind to an early goal from Marseille skipper Lorik Cana before Gerrard - who had not started a match for a month following a groin operation - struck twice in six minutes to secure a 2-1 victory.

Manager Benitez said: "Gerrard's first goal was fantastic. But the whole team worked really hard for the victory."

He added: "It was important to get our group matches off to the right start, but clearly we can play better.

"However, we are now in a very good position and if we can win our home matches in this group we should qualify for the next stage of the competition.

"But we had to work very hard for the victory. Marseille are a better side than when we won here 4-0 in last season's competition, and they proved that with the way they played and the amount of chances they created.

"We were able to keep Gerrard and Fernando Torres on the pitch for about an hour after their recent injuries, and then it was left to the rest of the team to defend the lead.

"We did that well, everyone played their part and although we know we can play much better, it is still an excellent start to the group."

Marseille coach Erik Gerets also hailed Gerrard's influence on the game.

He said: "He is a world-class player and he proved that. Only players of that quality can score goals like that."