Benítez thrilled by Reds response

Rafael Benítez felt "passion and determination", as well as the support of the home crowd at Anfield, were the key factors in Liverpool FC defeating Chelsea FC on penalties to reach the UEFA Champions League final once again. Daniel Agger scored the only goal in normal time, before Pepe Reina saved two spot-kicks in a 4-1 shoot-out success. "Chelsea were the better team," opined José Mourinho, who also offered thanks to his players and congratulations to their conquerors, as uefa.com rounds up the reaction from the semi-final second leg.

Rafael Benítez, Liverpool manager
We started really well but they have good players and it was difficult to control the game. Chelsea were fantastic in the second half, they played really well but we were working really hard around our box. We had some chances to finish the game but didn't take them. I think the players knew today how to beat Chelsea. They played with determination and passion and with our supporters behind them. Our supporters were superb and the atmosphere was amazing. I am really proud of them and my players. I will try and enjoy tomorrow night [when AC Milan and Manchester United FC compete to meet Liverpool in the final] and I'm not going to say who I prefer to win as it will the upset the other team's fans.

José Mourinho, Chelsea manager
They had a good short period in the first half, but I saw one team in blue playing to win the game. We deserve to be in the final. Chelsea were the better team in the first leg, for 90 minutes in this leg and in extra time. In ten to 20 years nobody will remember that. A penalty shoot-out is part of the game and they were stronger at that part of the game. Chelsea showed more appetite in trying to win the game but at the end of the day they're in the final. Congratulations. I have to be proud of my players and share this difficult moment with them. I know Chelsea fans' hearts and every fan will be disappointed but supportive.