Champions League: Houllier ‘‘proud’’ of his players

Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier refused to condemn his players as they tumbled out of the Champions League tonight.

Houllier saw his side cave in and crash to a 4-3 aggregate defeat against Bayer Leverkusen in a roller-coaster quarter-final match.

Brazilian defender Lucio grabbed the decisive goal with just six minutes remaining to take the German league leaders through to the last four and a possible meeting with Manchester United.

It was a shattering blow for Liverpool, as Jari Litmanen seemed to have thrown them a lifeline with a second goal 11 minutes from time.

However Liverpool were left to rue two missed chances by Michael Owen in the second half as they tumbled out of Europe’s top competition.

Houllier said: ‘‘Our European campaign may be over but I’m proud of my players. We have played 17 games in Europe and lost twice to Barcelona and Leverkusen.

‘‘These two teams are now in the semi-finals of the Champions League and it shows their quality. The good thing from my point of view is my team learn fast and that is a good sign for the future.

‘‘My only regret is that we didn’t make the most of our chances. On a good day. Michael Owen could have had a hat-trick.

‘‘But there is nothing I can reproach my players for. Conceding a goal six minutes from the end is something we can regret but my players were probably tired.’’

Liverpool went into the match holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg but that was quickly cancelled out by Michael Ballack’s wonder strike in the 16th minute.

Abel Xavier equalised for Liverpool, only for the German side to pull away in the second half.

Ballack got his second goal before Dimitar Berbatov put Leverkusen ahead on aggregate for the first time.

There was more drama to follow with Litmanen getting on target before Lucio added a final bitter twist for Liverpool.

Houllier said: ‘‘Defending is a team thing and maybe we didn’t protect the back four as much as we could.

‘‘Obviously the boys are disappointed but to get through to the quarter-finals in their first participation in the Champions League is a big achievement.’’

England striker Emile Heskey picked up a hamstring strain during the match and his fitness will be monitored in the coming days.

Leverkusen coach Klaus Toppmoller said their victory was ‘‘almost beyond belief’’.

He said: ‘‘We are all overjoyed at this result. It is difficult to grasp. To come back in the way we did is testimony to our spirit and character.’’