Eidur Gudjohnsen's late goal left Liverpool hanging on to win on away goals against Barcelona and thereby reaching the last 8 of the Champions League.

The former Chelsea star rounded Pepe Reina after 75 minutes to leave Liverpool, who had dominated, living on their nerves in the closing stages.

John Arne Riise and Momo Sissoko both struck the bar as Liverpool left Barcelona's stars in the shade.

Ronaldinho hit a post, but Liverpool deserved to reach the quarter-final.

[ UEFA Match Summary ]

Labels: Barcelona, champions league, final eight

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has no major injury worries with only long-term absentees Luis Garcia and Harry Kewell missing.

Peter Crouch has had no after-effects from the Manchester United game, in which he played with a broken nose.

Barcelona will have playmaker Deco and Lilian Thuram available after they were both rested for the game at Sevilla.

Samuel Eto'o, who missed the first leg through a protracted recovery from a knee injury, is also in the squad.

[ Complete Match Preview ]

Labels: Barcelona, Benitez, champions league

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez said he is expecting Barcelona to be on the offensive during Tuesday's Champions League knock-out tie at Anfield.

'They need to score at least twice - we know they are an attacking side,' said Benitez, with the Reds holding a 2-1 advantage over the Catalan giants.

'I expect them to play with Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi up front and we are prepared for that.

'Our plan will be different from what it was in the first leg.'

Labels: Barcelona, Benitez, champions league, final eight

Steven Gerrard insists Liverpool must be ready to tackle Barcelona head on.

As the Liverpool skipper prepares to lead his side into battle at Anfield tonight, protecting a 2-1 first-leg lead in the Champions League last 16, he knows that the Ronaldinho and his pals want revenge for the Nou Camp defeat they suffered at the Merseysiders' hands a fortnight ago.

Gerrard said: 'We have got to be very careful, and show Barcelona every respect. They are a fantastic team and they are capable of going anywhere in Europe and playing people off the park.

'We must make sure we match, if not better, our first-leg performance. They are maybe more dangerous now because they are behind.

'But Barcelona over the last couple of seasons have proved they are the best side in Europe, that's how difficult it is going to be for us.'

Labels: Barcelona, Gerrard, Liverpool FC

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez revealed he drew on his personal experience of Spanish football when formulating his battle plan for the Reds' Champions League last-16 first leg with Barcelona.

Benitez did not lose at the Nou Camp during his three years as coach of Barca's Primera Liga rivals Valencia, and the Madrid-born 46-year-old admits his tactics for last night's clash were based largely on those previous successes.

Labels: Barcelona, Benitez, Liverpool FC