While Jose Mourinho indulged in his latest self-pitying rant, decrying the refereeing conspiracy which has denied him top spot in the Premiership, Benitez was assessing how to ensure his lip remains bitten when asked to comment on the Portuguese manager's erratic views.
Whether Benitez can emerge unscathed from today's UEFA press conferences as he seeks to avoid the verbal mud-slinging remains to be seen, but in the comfort of his own office it's much easier.
"I just want to focus on a good game of football, nothing else," insists the manager.
Despite his intentions, Mourinho, like Sam Allardyce, is one of those who've consistently tempted Benitez to break with instinct and strike a few volleys back.
If he's so inclined, Benitez will ask if Mourinho's portfolio of refereeing ineptitude included the handballs of William Gallas, the diving of Gudjohnsen, Cole and Robben, or the two footed lunges of Michael Essien.
It appears not. Only Luis Garcia's semi-final winner in 2005 exists in the Liverpool chapter of Mourinho's encyclopaedia of footballing injustice.
Although Liverpool have suffered badly against Chelsea since Benitez and Mourinho began their duel, the anomaly is they've also enjoyed more success than any side against the Londoners over the same period.
"There's a simple reason for this," says Benitez, somewhat underplaying his achievement.
"We've played each other far more than anyone else, so it means we had more opportunities to try to beat them. I don't think there's any secret to beating them or for them to beat us.
"We know each other really well and I don't know if there's anything we can do to surprise each other any more. In 2005 Mourinho predicted our team and maybe he'll try to do the same again.
"Maybe there are one or two players you could not be sure of, but I think we know the players both sides will use.
"I have to analyse the situation and decide the best way to go. Stamford Bridge is a really difficult place to play and obviously it's also important not to give any clues as to what approach we'll take."
It won't be hard for Benitez to locate the perfect European blueprint for his players to revise.
Liverpool have lost just two of their last 16 away games in Europe and the second of these was the 'dead rubber' against Galatasaray last December.
After masterminding victory in the Nou Camp in the last 16, Benitez is sure his players have the confidence to win anywhere.
"It's a similar situation to before we played Barcelona," he said. "Whenever you play away in Europe it's the same idea. You want to be compact and strong defensively, but it's important to try to score.
"If we can get an away goal it will be perfect and it's important to be positive.
"The players have a good away record in Europe because they know what's expected. We've prepared for a lot of games well and the players have done a good job.
"We also know the second leg can be the key. That's what we want.
"If we are in a good position when we come back to Anfield, we know it can be difficult for any team in the world because our supporters make a big difference.
"I think the two games could be very similar to two years ago. Of course, in football you never know.
"Someone can score a brilliant goal or a set-piece and the game could completely change, but normally you would expect only a small difference between us."
As ever, defensive solidity will be essential and this is one department where Benitez has good cause to be confident.
Jamie Carragher will equal Ian Callaghan's club record of 89 European appearances tomorrow, while the record of Pepe Reina following his 100th game for the club underlines why Benitez is so keen for him to be rewarded with a new deal.
"I saw the statistic about David James having around 142 clean sheets in over 400 games over 12 years," said Benitez.
"This shows how well Pepe has done to make 55 in 100 games in just two years. Our whole defence has been really good, not just Pepe, but it's true he gives a lot of confidence to all the defenders because of his quality."
When Liverpool last reached the stage, there was much talk about building the foundations for a brighter future, with the club hoping to use their run to attract much needed investment.
Back then, Benitez spoke about seizing the moment. He recognised the importance of grabbing an opportunity players couldn't be sure would come again.
Now facing identical circumstances, but with investment secure, Benitez is clearly more confident the latest bid to rewrite history is part of an epic series which could last many seasons.
"I believe the present at Liverpool is really good and the future can be even better," he said.
"We have young players, good people controlling the club and the determination to win many trophies. I can tell you the players are as hungry for success now as they were two years ago.
"Always in football when you win important trophies, the key is to keep doing it.
"This is the same for the manager and the players. We want to keep bringing success to the club.
"We know it's going to be really difficult against Chelsea, but we have a lot of confidence now and for the years to come."