Agger fires Europa warning to rivals

today hailed the world class talent of Fernando Torres – then spoke of his determination to help this Liverpool squad create a piece of history.

The Reds number nine made the headlines for all the right reason last night, leaving the furore over his substitution at Birmingham City behind with two goals as Liverpool flattened Benfica 4-1 to progress to the Europa League semi-finals.

They now face a two-legged showdown with Torres' former employers Atletico Madrid, with the prospect of facing either Hamburg or Fulham in the May 12 final.

Agger will not allow himself to think that far ahead but one thing he does know is that if Torres - who became the first Liverpool striker in history to score doubles in four consecutive home games - stays in such form, he will go close to fulfilling a dream.

He, like so many of his team-mates, is desperate to win a first medal with the Reds and the Denmark international hopes that omission from his CV will be rectified in the next month.

"Fernando was very impressive," said Agger. "He proved again he's one of the best in the world. It's really difficult to compare players, but the way he has played this season has been unbelievable.

"Even when he doesn't have a great game he scores goals and that shows what a good player he is.

"He can come out of nowhere and get us a goal and that's what the team needs.

"Now we just have to focus on the semi-final but we are aiming to get to the final. You have to try to win trophies - that's what we play for.

"Not everyone succeeds but at least you have to try to give your best, otherwise there's no point playing football.

"We want to create our own history. That's what we are working for every day."

Dirk Kuyt set the ball rolling with a brave header and Lucas put the Reds in the driving seat before Torres took over but they did endure one uncomfortable moment when Oscar Cardozo managed to squeeze in a free-kick.

Torres, however, put Benfica out of their misery in front of a crowd that contained co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillet, but Agger, who played at left-back as Emiliano Insua was suspended, felt Liverpool were always in control.

"I did my best at left-back and it was a good experience," said Agger.

"I got to go forward a lot more. It was also a lot harder but that's okay I'll take that.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game but we stuck together, played well and scored some great goals.

"We came here tonight to get through and we've achieved that. It's always special to play at Anfield and it was another great night.

"I can't remember them having many clear chances.

"We were under a bit of pressure but scoring the fourth finished the tie."

Atletico progressed on away goals after a 0--0 draw with Valencia while Hamburg booked their place in the semi-finals with a 3-1 win over Standard Liege, 5-2 on aggregate.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.