Benitez has point to prove

RAFAEL BENITEZ left Spain a champion and returns for the first time with his new side tonight, determined to see things through to the bitter end.

Liverpool's new manager left the Valencia team in fine shape after two championships in three seasons, but insisting he was the victim of internal politics at the Mestalla that undermined his position.

He left behind a superb side who worked like clockwork and had taken the glamour and glory away from the giants of Real Madrid and Barcelona, for a collection of serial under-achievers.