Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes if captain Steven Gerrard can lead by example in the Europa League clash with Benfica tonight, then the team will get the right result.

The Reds meet the Portuguese club in Benfica in the first leg of the quarter-finals and Benitez has urged Gerrard to be the man to show the way.

"The captain is a key player and if he goes forward and works very hard everyone will see this and everyone will follow him," said Benitez.

"That is really important for the rest of the season, for the team and him also.

"It is important to have players pushing and working hard as it means the rest of the players will say 'Okay, come on'.

"You know when you go into a battle the first one has the flag and everyone follows him and then it is easier.

"If you go with the flag and don't see anyone around you it is always more difficult to win.

"We will stick together and that is crucial for the rest of the season."