Lucas Leiva says Liverpool have great respect for Europa League opponents Benfica.

Leiva insists Benfica's crushing victory over Everton in the Europa League has earned the Lisbon side respect from the Liverpool squad.

"We didn't expect Benfica to beat Everton so easily but we are also scoring a lot of goals so we will respect them but try to play the best," said the Brazil international.

"They are leading the Portuguese championship and they have scored a lot of goals so we know it will be a tough game but we have experience and we have to use that experience.

"It is difficult to say who is the stronger team. All the teams who reach this stage are very strong so our job is to prove Liverpool are stronger.

"There are some very strong teams left, especially the Spanish ones.

"We know the away goal is significant and so it will be important to leave here with a good result."