Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez admits he's leaned on his former Atletico Madrid players to prepare for tonight's Europa League semi.

Despite Sergio Aguero being suspended, Benitez feels the hosts will still have more than enough creativity to pose a serious threat to his side's Hamburg hopes.

"They have a very good offensive team," Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"People always talk about Aguero and Forlan, but they also have Simao and a good attacking mentality as a team.

"Aguero is a good player for them and is out of the first game. That could be good for us, but you never know. I am sure they will be dangerous anyway.

"I spoke with Maxi and Fernando (Torres) about them. They have some friends there so we managed to get some information about them. We have some ideas of how to stop them."