Rafa: Atletico will fear Reds

Rafael Benitez believes Atletico Madrid will be running scared this evening as Liverpool FC aim to take a significant step towards the Europa League final.

After yesterday completing an arduous 1,200-mile trip to the Spanish capital that took almost 24 hours to complete, Benitez's men step out at the Vicente Calderon for the first leg of their semi-final tie.

Liverpool issued a resounding statement of intent in reaching the last four by thrashing in-form Benfica 4-1 at Anfield earlier this month.

And although having warned his players to expect an intimidating atmosphere tonight, Benitez believes the manner in which his side inflicted a first defeat in 27 games on the Portuguese outfit will pray on the minds of their Spanish hosts.

"Atletico have experience in Europe so I don't think you can say we are favourites, to me there isn't much difference between the sides," said the Liverpool manager.

"But the positive thing for us is that what we did against Benfica has given us confidence we can perform in the second leg, and maybe Atletico will be a little bit worried about that.

"It's something we have to manage afterwards, but now we have to be ready because the Calderon is a big stadium and their fans will really be behind them.

"If we score an early goal then everything can change. We have to think we will be strong enough for 90 minutes."

The disruption to flights throughout Europe caused by the ash cloud from recent volcanic activity in Iceland meant Liverpool were forced to undergo a trek by coach, train and plane to reach Madrid.

They arrived in the Spain early yesterday afternoon and trained at the Vicente Calderon during the evening.

And Benitez has warned his players not to let their efforts in reaching this far into the competition - and reaching Madrid itself - go to waste.

"When you get to this stage of the competition you know you are so close," he said.

"It's easy to motivate the players.

"They know they are so close to the final and have to produce their maximum to win the game.

"It won't be difficult to motivate the players."

While wary of the physical effects the journey may have had on his players, Benitez believes the unusual circumstances have helped the team foster a stronger team spirit.

"It has been good, you can see how everyone is sticking together," said the Spaniard. "Sometimes the positive thing from something like this is that people have a better team experience.

"I am sure they will be tired but these things can actually help the team spirit when everyone has something in common.

"It has been difficult for everyone because they will arrive tired but you could see them in the station all talking to each other in different groups and changing them around as well rather than simply sticking in their normal ones.

"Physically it's hard for everyone.

"But it will also have been a difficult journey for the fans who manage to get to the game, so we have to do our best for them."

With few Liverpool supporters expected present, Atletico will be backed by more than 50,000 fervent followers in search of a first European final since 1986.

Benitez said: "The Copa del Rey in Spain is fine enough, but the Europa League is bigger. It's an international competition and that makes a big difference."

Dirk Kuyt is likely to lead the attack this evening in the absence of Fernando Torres, but with Emiliano Insua, Fabio Aurelio and Martin Skrtel unfit, Maxi Rodriguez ineligible and Albert Riera out of the picture, Benitez has few genuine selection issues.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.