Mascherano hopes for league boost

Yossi Benayoun's goal was enough to give Liverpool victory in Madrid

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano believes the 1-0 Champions League win over Real Madrid can re-ignite the Reds' Premier League title challenge.

The Anfield club are currently seven points behind Manchester United in the title race.

But Mascherano told BBC Radio Merseyside: "That game will give us more confidence.

"You never know if Manchester United can drop some points, so we are happy and we need to keep going."

Mascherano added: "If we can beat Middlesbrough and Sunderland we will be there."

Yossi Benayoun's 82nd minute header was enough to hand the Reds victory in the first leg of the last-16 tie at the Bernabeu.

It was really difficult for us, we didn't have Stevie and almost didn't have Fernando

Javier Mascherano

The victory was completed without Fernando Torres, after the Spanish striker was replaced in the 61st minute after struggling with an ankle problem for much of the game.

Influential midfielder Steve Gerrard was also missing for the majority of the match, appearing as an 88th minute substitute as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.

And Mascherano believes the result takes on extra significance given the injuries to the key pair of Torres and Gerrard.

"It was really difficult for us, we didn't have Stevie and almost didn't have Fernando," said the 24-year-old.

"We are showing that we are a good team and that we work as a team, but obviously I always want them on the pitch."

606: DEBATE

Benayoun is the most in form player in Red. He's the key that picks the lock.

Red Maurauders

And despite Liverpool holding the advantage in ahead of the second leg at Anfield on Tuesday, 10 March, Mascherano was keen to stress that the tie is far from over.

"It is amazing [to win in Madrid] but we need to think about the next game," said Mascherano.

"It will be really difficult so we have to play in the same way, the same concentration, working hard and we will see what happens."