Steven Gerrard's professionalism saluted after Liverpool's Champions League win - but another Fernando Torres scare

Although the captain's headed goal from a Xabi Alonso cross on 23 minutes was enough to take Liverpool through to the last 16 with one group match to spare away to PSV Eindhoven next month, the midfielder became the target of some visiting French fans who hurled missiles.

A cigarette lighter appeared to land close to his foot while he was taking a corner in front of them at the Anfield Road end of the stadium.

It was a grim reminder of the incident for which Chelsea's Didier Drogba of Liverpool's title rivals Chelsea picked up a three-match ban earlier this month for throwing a coin back into the crowd at Stamford Bridge.

It was directed towards him by a Burnley supporter after he scored in a Carling Cup tie, but Benitez was pleased with the calm way in which Gerrard reacted to the incident and preferred to talk about his footballing contribution.

He said: "I think he is very professional. It is something that the UEFA delegate will probably take note of but he was really good.

"We know that Gerrard is an offensive midfielder with a very good attacking mentality so he can score goals and he is a very important player for us - this goal proves it."

Despite going ahead midway through the first period, Liverpool found themselves stretched on several occasions after the interval and Benitez admits that it was a concern.

He said: "The game was strange. We were controlling the game, we scored the goal and then they (Marseille) were attacking and we were just playing counter-attack.

"The final pass was a problem, we were giving the ball away, but they had the same problem and the game was too open.

"We need to improve our possession when we have the ball. We have to keep the ball and pass the ball better - we're giving it away too easily."

Benitez added: "Marseille needed to attack so they were very offensive. They had three strikers and two players between the lines so to control five players with pace and ability is not always easy.

"We were trying to play through Torres but sometimes the final pass was too quick.

"It is something that we have to analyse but the main thing was to win and to qualify and we're really pleased," he added.

"Clearly we knew before the game that Marseille have good players and we knew they could be very dangerous if we were not controlling the game and keeping the ball.

"That was the situation because the game was too open and they had space and could run and were always a threat."

Liverpool can now go into their final Group D match at PSV Eindhoven assured of their place in the last 16 although with Atletico Madrid also winning last night, they have not yet won the group.

But Benitez reckons that finishing top does not necessarily guarantee an easier tie in the knockout stages. He said: "You never know, one year we finished first in our group and then lost against Benfica but in two years we finished second and then won against Juventus and Inter."

Meanwhile, Gerrard saluted strike partner Torres after the pair started together for the first time since the 3-2 win at Manchester City.

He said: "Fernando is the key. Playing behind him is great for me. His runs are great. Tonight I scored the goal but I'm sure if the manager keeps playing us together I will provide him with a few."

Meanwhile, Gerrard admitted he was disappointed with the second half performance, but was glad the Reds had ensured their passage to the knockout stages of the competition.

"It was a nervy match but still a job well done. We wanted all three points and a clean sheet and we got both of those," he said.

"It was a frustrating second half for us. We lost control a bit and there are a few things that need looking at.

"They are organised and fighting to stay in the competition. We knew that it would be a difficult tie but we stuck together and hopefully in a few days the second-half performance will be forgotten."