Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez knows they face a huge week ahead.

Liverpool face Real Madrid in the second leg of their last 16 UEFA Champions League tie on Tuesday before heading to Premier League leaders Manchester United next Saturday.

With the Reds out of the FA Cup, Benitez is happy to have more time to prepare his players for the decisive double-header against Real and United.

Benitez highlighted the importance of the two games, with Liverpool leading Real 1-0 in Europe and trailing United by seven points domestically, and the Anfield chief is hoping for positive results.

"When you play two games in a week it is not easy to prepare for the next game, so physically and tactically we have been able to do more things," Benitez told the club's official website.

"In this case we have had more time to prepare and have been able to approach the week in a different way - we are really pleased with the situation.

"For sure this week will be very important. You can talk about crucial games in the season, but these two important games this week it could make a very big difference.

"To progress in the Champions League and to beat United is totally different than if you cannot progress or if you cannot win, so this week is very crucial."