Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has reiterated his support for manager Rafael Benitez and claims it would be a “mistake” for the club to replace him.
Benitez’s future remains uncertain despite an apparent thaw in his relationship with owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks following a disagreement over transfer policy. The Reds are under pressure to deliver as they face a crucial Champions League clash at Marseille tomorrow night.
Lyon and Fenerbahce won their final group games Wednesday to capture the last two spots in the knockout round of the Champions League.
Two late goals by Karim Benzema added to an early one by Sidney Govou in Lyon’s 3-0 victory at Rangers, who needed only a tie to advance and eliminate the French champions.
Lyon advanced from Group E with FC Barcelona, which had already qualified but came from behind to beat VfB Stuttgart 3-1.
Fenerbahce trailed against visiting CSKA Moscow after an own-goal by Edu, but turned the game around through playmaker Alex and two goals by Ugur Boral. It took second place ahead of PSV Eindhoven, which tumbled 1-0 at home against Group G winner Inter Milan.
Lyon and Fenerbahce advanced on the final day of group qualifying to join 14 other teams in the Dec. 21 draw at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
The others are former winners Real Madrid (nine titles), AC Milan (seven and defending champion), Liverpool (five), Barcelona (two), Manchester United (two), FC Porto (two), Inter Milan (two), Celtic (one) and six teams yet to win European soccer’s most prestigious club title — Arsenal, Chelsea, Schalke, Olympiakos, AS Roma and Sevilla.
