Liverpool were given an uphill task after Didier Drogba put Chelsea 2-1 ahead on aggregate in the first half.

Fernando Torres gave Liverpool hope with a second-half leveller but extra-time goals from Frank Lampard - from the penalty spot - and a second from Drogba put Chelsea in command.

A mistake by Petr Cech allowed Ryan Babel to reduce the deficit three minutes from the end of extra-time but, while Liverpool kept on pushing, they just ran out of time.

In the end Chelsea prevailed to set-up a final in Moscow on May 21 against Manchester United.

"The third goal almost killed the game," said Benitez. "We had good chances and team was strong enough mentally and physically. We just ran out of time.

"Torres was injured and had problems with his hamstring so I needed to change it in extra-time."

Benitez insisted he did not think Drogba was fired up by his pre-match criticism of the striker.

"When you play for a final you don't need any comments to help you," he added. "Before the match I need to say it because I wanted to be on the same level. What more motivation do you need to play in a final?

"I thought when we scored I was really pleased and thought we could progress. Now I need to think about the future. I am proud of my team.

"We worked really hard until the end and the team kept going. I thought we deserved more, especially in the first game."

Benitez felt the first-leg draw at Anfield - where John Arne Riise's injury-time own goal pulled Chelsea level - had a major bearing and revealed controversial co-owner Tom Hicks had congratulated the Reds.

"It is a big difference to come here with a 1-0 lead instead of 1-1," Benitez admitted. "Chelsea are a good team and in the first half they were really good. There are two good teams in the final.

"We need to keep working. We have two more games and (we will) try to win them and improve the squad for next season.

"Tom Hicks came into the dressing room and said 'good effort, good job and we were unlucky'. He was very positive."