Liverpool could be forgiven for being complacent following the comprehensive 3-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the quarter-final, first-leg in Holland.

Even Eindhoven coach Ronald Koeman and a string of players have gone on record as saying the tie is dead.

Deep down Benitez no doubt feels that too, but of course the Spanish coach would never admit so in public.

Benitez said: "We are not stupid, we know we are closer to the final again, but we must win this one before we can even think of the semi-final."

Benitez will call on those players who lived through the miracle of Istanbul two seasons ago to impress on the newer recruits what can happen if you let your guard drop.

AC Milan, who famously had T-shirts with 'European champions' written on them in their dressing room at half-time, know how things can change.

Benitez added: "If I were PSV I would underline that we must score very quickly and then see what happens.

"It is what I said in the dressing room in Istanbul; score early, then see, score again and it is very different.

"Because we have that experience it is important for our players to really concentrate.

"The newer players will all be excited that they are this close, but the experience of the players who were in the final in 2005 is now important. They will make sure nobody starts thinking too far ahead of themselves.

"This will be a strange game, we know we are favourites. But we will remember what happened in 2005 when we were the underdogs against Juventus, Chelsea and AC Milan and how we beat teams like that.

"Anything is possible. I have told the players that I want us to win the next two or three league games to make sure of being in the Premiership top four, then we will be able to concentrate on Europe and to prepare and rest players, they are very aware of what I want to do.

"But winning against PSV is vital, then another three or so in the league.

"We are in a situation where everyone is talking about us, so there is no pressure on PSV. A team not under pressure can be much more dangerous."

Benitez will be without the suspended Dirk Kuyt, who acquired a convenient late yellow card in Eindhoven when it was clear a ban would only rule him out of the second leg.

Mohamed Sissoko will return from European suspension while Xabi Alonso has recovered from a calf problem.

With only Fabio Aurelio and Luis Garcia injured long-term - even Harry Kewell is approaching a comeback - has the sort of fit, confident squad he wanted at this stage of the campaign. Rotation has worked.

He added: "I do not want to say I was right and people who criticised that policy were wrong, but I have a confident squad almost all of whom are fit and coming to their peak at the right time."

Benitez has been at pains to stress the need to avoid complacency, and wants his team to make a quick start.

"I have talked to the players about not being complacent. But they know, they are ready and they know if they score first the tie will be easier," he said.

"The key is that we must start with a high tempo, to score the first goal and not to allow PSV into the game.

"I obviously prefer this situation, but it means we must keep on saying 'no complacency', it is really important that the players understand.

"Normally you cannot have excuses if you lose from a position like this.

"I like this situation, but it is not normal. Not often are you 3-0 up from the first leg, but the players know how important it is to be really focused and not to allow thoughts that it is done.

"We must be careful, this is still a massive game for us and one we cannot make a mistake in."