Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez refused to blame John Arne Riise after his own goal in last night's 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the first-leg of their Champions League semi.

At the final whistle, Benitez refused to have a go at heartbroken Riise, who made a total hash of Salomon Kalou's low cross.

Shattered Benitez said: "You cannot blame the player. The ball could have gone into the stands.

"We had our chances. If we have them again there, we'll take them."