Rafa sticks with first-leg team for Barca tie

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez stuck with exactly the same side that produced such a shock result in the Nou Camp a fortnight ago.

Now with a 2-1 lead from that first-leg of the Champions League last 16, the Spaniard clearly believes that the same team – with full-back Alvaro Arbeloa returning to the side – can complete the job of reaching the quarter-finals.

Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard made four changes, leaving out Julian Belletti and Gianluca Zambrotta from his defence, Thiago Motta from midfield and Javier Saviola from the attack.

Back came Samuel Eto’o, Lilian Thuram, Andres Iniesta and full-back Olegeur.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Arbeloa, Gerrard, Sissoko, Alonso, Riise, Kuyt, Bellamy.

Subs: Dudek, Hyypia, Aurelio, Crouch, Pennant, Mascherano, Zenden.

Barcelona: Valdes, Thuram, Marquez, Puyol, Oleguer, Xavi, Iniesta, Deco, Messi, Eto’o, Ronaldinho.

Subs: Jorquera, Gudjohnsen, Giuly, Zambrotta, Edmilson, Sylvinho, Saviola.

Referee: Herbert Fandel (Germany)