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The top stopper saved a spot-kick as the Reds held on for a goalless draw in the first leg of their qualifier with Standard Liege.

But Liverpool now face a nervy return match at Anfield as they attempt to reach the group stages.

And Reina admits his side were well below par in Belgium last night.

The Spanish ace said: “We played really bad and it’s clear we have to improve for the game at Anfield.

“The positive thing is we got a result, we kept a clean sheet and it’s still in our hands. But we didn’t play well.

“Penalty saves are always difficult but at least we got the result on the night. But we have to improve.”

Benitez said: ‘It is clear we did not play well, and we are lucky not to have conceded. We were poor, but at least the result was good.

‘It really was a very bad performance, and it surprised me, because we have been playing well in the pre-season games and with a lot of confidence. We have been talking about it in the dressing room, but you don’t always have to say too much after something like that.

‘We knew they would be aggressive. I warned the players about that, but we still couldn’t keep the ball. We were second best to too many first and second balls, and when we did get possession, our control was poor and so was our passing. 

‘When that happens, it is only normally that you come under a bit of pressure. I’m just glad Pepe Reina was the one player who performed and that we kept a clean sheet. There has to be a massive difference in how we play in the return game.’