Rafael Benitez is confident Liverpool can overturn a narrow deficit and reach the final of the Europa League despite losing 1-0 to Atletico Madrid in Thursday's semi-final first leg.

Benitez dismissed suggestions of tiredness following a disappointing performance at the Vicente Calderon.

Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan scored the only goal of a game which the Reds needed to travel 23 hours by road, rail and air to reach.

Without the injured Fernando Torres up front and coming on the back of a marathon journey to the Spanish capital, Benitez could have made excuses for a disappointing performance.

However, the Spaniard shrugged off talk of fatigue and confidently declared that his side can still progress to the final in the return leg at Anfield next week.

Asked if tiredness played a part, he responded:"It was fine. We were working hard – that's the main thing.

"The second leg is at Anfield and I am confident. Anfield is massive and with the fans behind us we can beat anyone.

"I also think in the past we've been losing 1-0 in games down the years and we were in that final, so that's quite positive.

"We know that it will be difficult because 1-0 is always a dangerous score, but we are still confident.

"We've done it in the past and we have to approach the game with this confidence and it would then be easier for us to play better and to score more goals."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email