Rafa Benitez believes Liverpool's heroic but unsuccessful attempt to claim a remarkable Champions League victory over Chelsea can fire the team's bid to win the Premier League.

Benitez's side crashed out of Europe on Tuesday after narrowly failing to overturn a 3-1 first deficit at Stamford Bridge.

Twice during the amazing 4-4 draw, Liverpool were within one goal of going through, only to finally miss out when Frank Lampard's last minute strike gave Guus Hiddink's men enough breathing space to go through 7-5 on aggregate.

Despite the heartache of losing to Chelsea in the Champions League for the second successive season, Benitez sees no reason to be downcast. The Liverpool manager is convinced his team's gutsy display proves they have the character to overhaul Premier League leaders Manchester United.

The Reds are one point behind United and face a crucial match at home to Arsenal next Tuesday.

"We are not happy with the result. When you lose you are disappointed but to lose in this way, the players have to be really proud and hold their heads up high," Benitez said.

"We showed character, quality and we have to be really proud. The players have done a fantastic job and the fans will be very pleased with the team.

"You are always disappointed to lose but thinking about the Premier League maybe it is positive because we showed we can score four goals at Stamford Bridge, so we can do the same at any stadium.

"We can win a lot of games with this mentality."

(AFP via China Daily April 16, 2009)