Although Robbie Fowler's first goals in the Champions League proper ensured Liverpool left the scene of their 2005 Champions League final victory with a narrow losing margin, the hosts were always in command against Benitez's mixture of stalwarts, untried youngsters and fringe players.
Liverpool's earlier form in Group C had already guaranteed top spot and progression into next February's last 16, when the club may be in the hands of prospective new owners, the DIC, yet they look ill-prepared to progress beyond that stage.
Benitez said: "It is difficult now because they are all good teams in the knockout stages. It is difficult to say whether they will want to avoid Liverpool, but we must wait and see.
"Everyone spoke about Benfica being easy for us last season, but it didn't turn out like that. This was a difficult game for us, though, because the job had already been done and, although you can try to motivate the players, it's a difficult situation."
DIC's arrival on the scene has caused furrowed brows at Uefa, who are concerned about another wealthy investor likely to further inflate an over-heating transfer market. Uefa spokesman William Gaillard said: "The immediate threat in the short term is a huge increase in the gap between the haves and the have-nots, and in the long term may lead to inflation in wages and transfer fees and a concentration of power that could destroy the game."
While DIC undertake due diligence ahead of an expected £450 million takeover, Benitez's team can do little but concentrate on the job at hand and Fowler capped a bright start when he opened the scoring on 22 minutes.
Galatasaray had overturned the deficit to lead 2-1 within five minutes, however, with Necati Ates equalising before Okan Buruk scored with a stunning 25-yard volley. Galatasaray claimed the third goal they deserved on 79 minutes through Sasa Ilic but Fowler ensured a nervous finish for the hosts with his far post header from Jermaine Pennant's cross 10 minutes later.