Benítez focused on Benfica task

Two clubs steeped in European history will meet when SL Benfica face Liverpool FC in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals, and they are no strangers.

Liverpool beat Benfica in the last eight on their way to winning the 1978 and 1984 European Champion Clubs' Cups, though they will need to be at their best to complete the hat-trick against a side top of the Portuguese Liga. Indeed, the Eagles ended the Reds' UEFA Champions League ambitions in 2006, winning 3-0 on aggregate in the first knockout round. "They are a good team," said Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez, "a massive club with a lot of support from their fans so it will be a tough game. They know Anfield and so may not be as scared as other teams. We have to do things properly and try to go through."

First, though, is the opening leg in Lisbon on 1 April. Luisão's late effort earned victory there four years ago but on two of their three visits to the old Estádio da Luz Liverpool won, and Benfica sporting director Rui Costa is expecting a stiff challenge. "We were always going to be drawn against a difficult team," said the former AC Milan and ACF Fiorentina playmaker. "There are neither easy nor impossible opponents at this stage. We've been drawn against Liverpool, though, and I hope it will be a wonderful tie."

Benítez concurs, and perhaps needs no reminding that Jorge Jesus's charges made light work of Merseyside rivals Everton in the group stage, winning 5-0 at home, 2-0 away. They also knocked out Olympique de Marseille in the last 16 – a good omen as the last two sides to win the UEFA Cup also defeated the French clubs. "They are playing really well at the moment," said Benítez. "I know a number of their players well – Pablo Aimar, Javier Saviola, Javi García – so we know they have a lot of quality."

Aimar was at the heart of Benítez's success at Valencia CF between 2001 and 2004 when they twice won the Liga title as well as the 2004 UEFA Cup. Should five-time European champions Liverpool negotiate two-time winners Benfica – and the Reds manager believes having home advantage in the second leg may prove decisive – his side could meet Valencia in the last four should Los Merengots overcome Club Atlético de Madrid. Benítez, though, is not getting ahead of himself. "I always take one game at a time," he added. "We are only thinking about Benfica at the moment. They are on a good run so it will be difficult."