RAFA: FANS WERE MAGNIFICENT

Paul Hassall at Anfield 28 November 2007

Rafael Benitez expressed an emotional message of thanks to the club's supporters after Liverpool stormed to an emphatic 4-1 win over Porto in the Champions League.
The Reds boss was delighted with the performance of his players as they ensured that progress to the latter stages of the competition will be assured if they beat Marseille in two weeks' time.

But it was the impact made by the club's fans that struck the most significant chord with the Reds boss as Anfield once again rose to the occasion in Europe.

"I want to say thank you to our supporters because I think that they were as always magnificent," said Benitez.

"The most important thing is the team so I say thank you for the support. To the players it was important as I said before the game and it was also for me, so I say a thank you, a big thank you."

Fernando Torres hit a double and Steven Gerrard (penalty) and substitute Peter Crouch added other late goals to give the scoreline a more flattering look.

And Benitez was pleased to see the club's record signing back among the goals after his impressive display got the Reds back on track following Lisandro's equaliser.

"For me it doesn't matter the price," said Benitez.

"Sometimes people say you spent this money, but Voronin was a Bosman transfer and he has been really good so it is not important the money.

"Torres is a player who can score goals. He missed three or four chances the other day against Newcastle but today he scored and sometimes this is how it happens."