Reina Finds Reasons to Believe

UEFA Champions League:

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Chelsea vs Liverpool

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Pepe Reina admitted it was "almost impossible" for Liverpool FC to claw back Chelsea FC's two-goal advantage in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final return leg but added that if anyone was capable of such a feat it is the men from Anfield.

Istanbul inspiration
The 3-1 lead which the London club brought back from Merseyside last week presents a formidable challenge for the Spanish goalkeeper and the rest of the Liverpool team to overcome but they are not short of examples where they have upset the odds to record a famous victory. "We have the inspiration of Istanbul," Reina agreed, recalling the 2005 UEFA Champions League final when a 3-0 half-time deficit against AC Milan turned into a memorable victory on penalties.

Chelsea favourites
"And we also had the recent game at Old Trafford when we won 4-1 [against Manchester United FC] and no one expected us to do it. We know already it is going to be almost impossible but if anyone can, it is Liverpool. Chelsea are clear favourites, it's in their hands, but if we play really really well and they have a bad day then of course we have a chance."

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On the attack
If things do not go to plan for Liverpool and Chelsea score first then that need not necessarily be a critical blow, Reina insists. "It won't make any difference because our target is to score three goals," he said. "If we concede we still have the chance to go to extra time if we score three. We have to attack – that is clear."

Torres in good shape
The goalscoring menace of Fernando Torres is a factor stoking up Liverpool's confidence. "He is in good shape right now, he's in good form and hopefully he can help us. But Fernando without the rest of the team is nobody and that is the same for every member of the team. We all rely on our team-mates."

Bolton pointers
The fact Chelsea conceded three late goals in a 4-3 victory over Bolton Wanderers FC on Saturday might offer Liverpool a route to victory at Stamford Bridge. "That was in a different competition and Chelsea just needed to win, which they did," Reina pointed out. "Every team has weak points and there is always something to exploit but we know it is going to be very difficult for us."

( Trevor Haylett / UEFA )