Rafa looking out for Tues

Rafa Benitez has revealed he played this weekend's game resting a few key players as he looks ahead to Liverpool's crucial Tuesday Champions League qualification game which the Premiership side know they must win.

“I think it was outside,” he said of the first turning point.

“Then it should have been a penalty for us.

“We knew it was tough, because some of our players were playing a lot of games in a row,” he explained.

“At 3-1 (down), you have to protect your good players.”

The Reds had several opportunities to get back in the match, and Benitez added: “It was a strange game. We had a few chances but did not take them.

“After some decisions which we didn’t get, we couldn’t change the result.

“The ’positives’ are no injuries and no yellow cards.”