"I think it's crucial to score an away goal in Europe. Arsenal is a team that can also score away from home but at least we now have this option in our hands for the second leg," said Benitez.
"It was an important goal for us and the understanding between Torres and Gerrard is really good. Gerrard created the chance and Kuyt was there and it was really important for us.
"I think the result is really good. It's the Champions League and we were away from home in Europe.
"The team was working really, really hard against a good team. We knew before they could have plenty of possession so the question was for us to be well organised and play on the counter attack. That was the plan and it was good.
"We were running a lot in the first half and in the second we thought they would have plenty of possession. We needed to change some players and we put on fresh legs in Benayoun, Lucas and Voronin."