Liverpool on fire ahead of United clash

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Benitez began the day desperate for two wins in five days to maintain the club's interest in Europe and the Barclays Premier League. Now after humiliating the nine-times European champions in a 5-0 aggregate win to reach the quarter-finals, Benitez is half way to his dream.

Liverpool face Manchester United, needing to cut the champion's seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League. And Benitez said: "We have an important game next, but we have played well here, scored four goals and are very confident."

He added: "That is the best way to prepare for such a game.

"It was important for us to play that well, but we are now facing a very good team and we must win to close the gap at the top. We have a few days to enjoy this result and make sure we are positive and prepared properly for the game at Old Trafford."

Steven Gerrard scored twice in his 100th European game for the club with Fernando Torres and Andrea Dossena completing the crushing victory.

And Benitez was able to hit back at the critics who have branded him a defensive coach, particularly in his Spanish homeland.

He said: "Yes, I know people in Spain think that my teams do not attack, but look at this result and look at the 119 goals we scored last season. That says something different.

"We are ranked the number one club in Europe by UEFA over the last five years and a result like this against a great club like Real Madrid is very pleasing."

He added: "We played really well from beginning to the end, and I am really pleased for the fans."