Unsung heroes come good

RAFAEL BENITEZ saw the spirit of Liverpool rekindled in his native Spain as two of the most maligned players of the previous regime produced outstanding performances to carry the Reds to the brink of qualification for the next stage of the Champions League.

Liverpool, stripped of the quality of Steven Gerrard, Djibril Cisse and at the last moment Xabi Alonso, had to turn to the likes of Igor Biscan and Djimi Traore to fill the gaps in an already threadbare squad.

Defeat at Deportivo La Coruna’s intimidating Estadio Riazor would have left Liverpool contemplating another costly Champions League exit, with Benitez needing every penny as he struggles to rebuild the Anfield empire.