Recently by Ian Doyle

AT the start of the season, Rafael Benitez would have sat back in his office at Melwood and envisaged his team's European adventure ending in Madrid.

Now the Liverpool manager faces the task of ensuring the complete opposite after hopes of salvaging silverware from a tortuous campaign were left teetering precariously in the balance.

A slender defeat to Atletico Madrid was the ultimate outcome after a circuitous 24-hour, 1,200-mile journey to the Spanish capital for their Europa League semi-final first leg.

WHEN it comes to causing Liverpool problems, it's clear West Ham United can't hold a candle to some volcanic ash.

In a week in which disruption both on and off the field threatens plans for a successful end to a tortuous campaign, last night proved uncharacteristically straightforward for Rafael Benitez and his players.

A comfortable home win against the relegation-threatened Hammers provided a welcome boost for morale ahead of Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg at Atletico Madrid.

NEVER mind the new pitch, Liverpool laid out the red carpet for Wigan Athletic last night.

An utterly woeful performance from Rafael Benitez's side saw them slip to defeat at the DW Stadium and suffer a devastating blow to their hopes of Champions League qualification.

Knowing victory would move them back into fourth place, Liverpool were architects of their own downfall as Hugo Rodallega's 35th-minute strike was enough to deepen the gloom at Anfield.

ALBERT RIERA has reassured Liverpool supporters that the club's Spanish contingent have no intention of walking away from Anfield.

And the winger believes that Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina share his burning desire to lift silverware for Rafael Benitez's side.

All three have been linked with moves away from Liverpool during a difficult campaign for the Anfield outfit.

THE obscenities that emerged from the fingers of Tom Hicks Jnr were nothing compared to those raining down from the Anfield stands last night.

After a week dominated by the potty-mouthed outburst that prompted a board reshuffle, the air of resignation spread to the first team as Liverpool crashed out of the FA Cup in truly dismal fashion.

A dreadful campaign plumbed new depths as Coca-Cola Championship strugglers Reading fought from behind to deservedly triumph in this third round replay.