Sağlam 'proud' of victorious Beşiktaş

Beşiktaş JK coach Ertuğrul Sağlam said he was "very proud" after the Turkish side secured the first points of their UEFA Champions League Group A campaign against Liverpool FC in Istanbul. A Sami Hyypiä own goal and a late strike from Bobo set up a thrilling win that brings Beşiktaş back into contention while last season's finalists, who could only muster a late consolation through Steven Gerrard, remain rooted to the bottom. Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez refused to criticise his side but admitted the result has left them in "a difficult position."

Ertuğrul Sağlam, Beşiktaş coach
I said before the game we needed to do everything possible to take three points. Liverpool played well but we achieved our goal. Before tonight, we'd struggled to get the points our performances deserved. Now my players have been rewarded and can savour the wonderful feeling of winning in the UEFA Champions League. We've beaten one of the best teams in Europe and we're very proud, but it's important to build on this result. There are still nine points to play for and if we are to qualify we will need to get something at Anfield in the next game. Our aim is to qualify and this result gives us a chance to do that.

Rafael Benítez, Liverpool manager
We played very well tonight and it's difficult for me to explain why we lost. My players did their best but it wasn't enough and we are now in a difficult position. We didn't have any luck. Their goalkeeper [Hakan Arıkan] played very well, saving three clear chances. Conceding the first goal after 13 minutes was a blow and the players found it hard to pick themselves up. But we still have three games to play and need to try to take maximum points. The draw in the other game [between Olympique de Marseille and FC Porto] is favourable for us and if we continue to play as we did tonight we have a chance to qualify. I still believe we will do it.