my liverpool fc

Riise on a high after record-breaking Champions League win

By Eivind Haugen Last updated: 8th November 2007

Riise: Praised Kop

Liverpool left-back John Arne Riise has revealed how the Kop played its part in the famous 8-0 victory over Besiktas in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.

The Norwegian said the Anfield crowd spurred the players on to continue scoring when victory was already in the bag.

The record-breaking performance now sets the Reds up nicely as they seek to win their remaining two group games to squeeze through into the knockout stages of the competition.

Speaking of the game, Riise told NTB: "I'm very happy with my own effort.

Energy

"I was tired after a lot of running but the audience gave me a lot of extra energy.

"When they were singing we want 10 when we were leading 5-0, it gave us a lot of energy and we really went for 10."

Liverpool have struggled in the competition so far but Riise thinks this week's momentous victory could be a turning point.

The game saw Yossi Benayoun net a hat-trick, as well as braces from Peter Crouch and Ryan Babel, while skipper Steven Gerrard also got his name on the scoresheet.

"Finally we scored on our chances," reflected Riise.

Fun

"It's fun for Yossi to score a hat-trick."

It was an evening of double celebration for Riise as Norwegian team Rosenborg beat Valencia 2-0, with both goals from Steffen Iversen, to give themselves a great chance of qualifying out of Group B.

Riise added: "I will send my congratulations to Steffan Iversen and the boys.

"It's a huge achievement and very important for Norwegian football."