Edu optimistic about Liverpool trip

Won two, lost two
The attacking midfielder, who earned his UEFA Champions League spurs with RC Celta de Vigo in the 2003/04 competition, has seen his side win two and lose two of their Group G games but is determined to secure more points in England against Rafael Benítez's Liverpool.

Familiar opponent
"We know Rafa Benítez from his spell with Valencia [CF]," Edu told uefa.com. "He is a coach who always prepares his teams well, with a strong and solid defence. Up front, he has quality players who can decide the game. This is a match we have to win if we want to maintain our chances of qualifying for the next round. It is the first time we have played in the UEFA Champions League and we wanted to give a good account of ourselves all over Europe. I think we are achieving that."

Dramatic impact
Betis made a dramatic start to their campaign by defeating tournament stalwarts AS Monaco FC in the third qualifying round, but subsequently there have been signs that the pressure of playing at home and in Europe is beginning to tell on Llorenç Serra Ferrer's team. Injuries have piled up on a squad now lying second from bottom in Spain's top flight. "We are not used to playing so many games," Edu admitted. "The more games we play, the bigger the risk of injuries, and this has harmed us."

Chelsea tonic
Nonetheless, the 1-0 victory against Chelsea has been a real tonic for the side from Seville. "We were able to withstand the pressure from Chelsea, one of the best teams in Europe," said the 26-year-old. "It gave us a lot of confidence and broke a run of bad results." Now Edu is eager to continue that form at Anfield. "The UEFA Champions League is very important for the club and for the supporters, because all the best teams and players are in this competition," he said, before sounding a positive note: "We are going to progress as far as we can in all competitions."