Clean sheet importance

Benitez said: "The important thing is to keep a clean sheet. That's not to say a goalless draw will be good for us. We want to win the game but we also want to make sure Juventus don't score."

And Benitez added he was under no illusions that the Reds are firm underdogs.

"Juventus are big favourites to win the game. They have greater experience and excellent players," he said.

"When the draw was made we agreed the Italians might be the most dangerous. Juventus are among the best, with Milan. They are strong, they have very good players, and they know the game," he added.

And Rafa admitted that injury concerns would make the job harder.

"It would be a challenge to beat them even with my best team. The problems that we have make it even harder. That is not to say we have no chance because it is my job to find weaknesses in their team and exploit them."