Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has said he was ready to commit his long-term future to  Anfield after Liverpool's memorable win in the Champions League away at Real Madrid. The Spaniard has been engaged in negotiations regarding the terms of his contract for several weeks now, which has spawned speculations that he might leave the club.

More importantly, the procrastination around his contract could have had an effect not only on Benitez but also on Liverpool as their performances domestically recently were far below par. But following the 1-0 win over the club he started at, Benitez said his future could be resolved soon.

"My lawyers and advisors have been talking to the club's owners on Wednesday about the contract and I feel the problems we have can be overcome."

Benitez has been discussing a new four-year deal, but it is believed American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks have been opposed to some of his requests.

Meanwhile, Liverpool put themselves in a commanding position in their knock out-phase tie against Real Madrid by beating the Spanish champions with a coherent, composed, calculated and professional display.

Israeli international Yossi Benayoun scored the Reds' winner with a superb header, which was planted on his head by a Fabio Aurelio free-kick.

The hosts were lacklustre and Liverpool took full advantage – in the first half Liverpool did not organise massed defensive ranks, they surged forward and created the better chances, playing the more attractive football. There was no strong pressure exerted from the hosts in the second half either. 

Arjen Robben had Real's best chance when his shot was steered over by keeper Jose Reina, and with that the memorable moments for Madrid in attack are expended, as Liverpool barely gave Real a sight of their goal.

In the middle of domestic turbulence, the Champions League has once again arrived in the nick of time to be the savior for the Reds, as Europe traditionally brings out the best of Liverpool under manager Rafael Benitez.

Striker Fernando Torres was replaced 15 minutes into the second half after he collected a knock to his ankle in the beginning of the match, and that saw the arrival of the flying Dutchman Ryan Babel, who immediately went into the action and started the harassing the Real defenders, as the hosts progressively allowed more space for the Reds to exploit. 
 
And as the clock ticked by and most were expecting a goalless draw, Benayoun headed home Aurelio's cross to leave the travelling Kopites wild with delight as they prepared to savour yet another famous victory away from home in Europe.
 
It is not over yet, this is just half time. But Liverpool outclassed in-form Real on Madrid's own turf, doing so without inspirational skipper Steven Gerrard for most of the match and without Fernando Torres for most of the second half. Should Liverpool's game and confidence return, and should they start firing on all cylinders, this could be another memorable season for them still.