And the mission to overturn their first-leg 1-0 deficit was clouded somewhat with Albert Riera's attack on the club's management 24 hours before kick-off.

BBC: Liverpool 3-0 Lille (agg 3-1)

Steven Gerrard's cross flew it to make it 4-1 before Ryan Babel tapped in Dirk Kuyt's cross and then unknowingly deflected in Albert Riera's late shot.

BBC: Liverpool 6-1 Hull

Ryan Babel equalised with a glancing header from Lucas Leiva's cross and Albert Riera put them ahead with a 25-yard drive that found the top corner.

BBC: PSV 1-3 Liverpool

When the Reds did threaten a goal, Black Cats keeper Fulop kept them at bay as he impressively palmed Albert Riera's deflected shot off Grant Leadbitter wide.

BBC: Liverpool 2-0 Sunderland

And Benitez's preparation for the Anfield clash included suspending Albert Riera after the Spaniard, desperate to play in the World Cup, accused his boss of having something "personal" against him and "turning a deaf ear" to players.

BBC: Rafael Benitez is relieved at beating Lille in Europe

Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson both missed Tuesday night's game with groin injuries while winger Albert Riera is also in need of a scan on his hamstring and Martin Kelly's impressive full debut was ruined by an ankle injury.

CNN: Under-pressure Benitez rues Reds injury list