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| Hyypia: We can win again |
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| 17/12/05 |
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SAMI HYYPIA insists Liverpool can retain their Champions League crown after benefiting from the luck of the draw.
The holders will face Benfica, who knocked Manchester United out in the group stages, in the last 16 of the competition.
Liverpool avoided big guns Real Madrid and Bayern Munich and Hyypia believes they can win it again in the Stade de France on May 17.
The Finn, who has helped Liverpool set a new club record of 11 successive clean sheets, said: "People will respect us more this season. No-one gave us a chance last year but we did it and we are capable of doing it again."
Benfica skipper Simao nearly signed for Liverpool in the summer but the deal collapsed when the Portuguese side upped their asking price to £12m.
Boss Rafa Benitez said: "It is not an easy draw, but it is not the worst draw that it could have been either.
"I’m pleased to have avoided certain teams but we will face a very tough match against Benfica. They are a very good team. They are one of the most famous sides in Europe and We will treat them with the respect they deserve."
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