London, Nov.30 (ANI): Rafa Benitez hailed Liverpool’s Merseyside derby victory as a turning point.The Reds were outplayed for long periods but clinched it as Javier Mascherano’s effort took a huge deflection off Joseph Yobo and Dirk Kuyt struck late.

Boss Benitez said: “We knew a win today could be big for us for the rest of the season.

Benitez has been told his job at Liverpool is safe despite the team being knocked out of the Champions League for the first time in five-years.

The Sun quoted club managing director Christian Purslow, as saying of the defeat: “This has absolutely no bearing on Rafa whatsoever. He signed a new five-year deal only months ago. You don’t deviate from long-term plans because of two late goals against Lyon and that’s what it boils down to.” (ANI)