Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said his team deserved to go through to the Champions League final after beating Chelsea despite a controversial goal. The Blues claimed Luis Garcia's early strike did not cross the line but Benitez said: "I don't know whether it was a goal or not.
"But if the goal isn't given it could well be a red card for Petr Cech for the foul on Milan Baros and a penalty.
"We worked hard, had the fans behind us and we believed right until the end."
He added: "We played a good game in the first leg, a good game in the second leg and we have qualified and done a good job.
"We need to enjoy today and we will watch the PSV-AC Milan game tomorrow in comfort, but we will try to win the final."
Goal scorer Garcia insisted his effort crossed the line and also expressed his delight at reaching the final of Europe's premier cup competition.
He said: "I hooked the ball towards the goal, I felt it went in and I am very happy now.
"When I arrived here last summer I was intent on winning some trophies, but I do not expect to get to the Champions League final in my first season in England.
"For us to get to the final is beyond all our dreams, and for me to score the goal is a special moment too."
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard said he did not care whether the ball crossed the line.
He said: "We don't know whether it was a goal or not, I'm sure people will talk about it, but we're going to the final, we're going to Istanbul.
"We've beaten the Premiership champions tonight, for the first time in five goes, but it was worth the wait."
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Special effect