Rafa unfazed by Reds’ laboured display

RAFAEL BENITEZ brushed aside criticism of Liverpool’s downbeat 1-0 Champions League victory over Hungarian champions Debrecen last night by insisting he was happy because it was a win.

Liverpool’s display in this opening Group E clash was way short of their best, and they were made to struggle by a team playing in the group stages for the first time.

Dirk Kuyt grabbed the winner in the final seconds of the first period, but despite dominating throughout and creating a glut of chances, Liverpool were unable to produce a convincing scoreline.