Torres has 22 goals for the Reds despite an injury-hit season

Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun says the squad want to beat Europa League opponents Atletico Madrid for injured striker Fernando Torres.

Torres misses the two-legged tie against his former club after undergoing knee surgery on Sunday.

"It was supposed to be a special moment for him," said Benayoun.

"We need to try and win the game for him and for the whole club. I think it's important to finish this disappointing season with a trophy."

I'm sure he'll be very happy in the end if we win it. Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun on Fernando Torres

Benayoun has added sympathy for Liverpool's leading goal scorer because he missed both Champions League games against Atletico in 2008.

"He must be really disappointed as last time we faced against Atletico Madrid he didn't play," he continued.

"He deserves to play in front of his old fans but this is football and we're wishing him all the best to come back early.

"The World Cup is very important to him and hopefully he can come back soon and be ready for this. But I'm sure he'll be very happy in the end if we win it."

The Reds face an arduous 1,200 mile trip for their semi-final because of the flying ban in existence over most of Europe.

But if they beat the Spanish side over the two legs they will be through to a major final in what many Liverpool fans have come to view as a disappointing season.

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