LIVERPOOL, England (AP):

LIVERPOOL MANAGER Rafa Benitez isn't worried about overcoming a dismal record at Chelsea. He's more concerned about the referee.

With the Champions League semi-final tied at 1-1 after the first leg, the Reds must score at Stamford Bridge today for the first time in eight matches to reach a third final in four years.

Benitez said its not just his players who must cope with the Stamford Bridge crowd, pointing to match referee Roberto Rossetti's 'curious' record in Europe this year. Rossetti has officiated six Champions League matches this season, only one of which has been won by the away team - a 2-1 victory by Chelsea at Valencia in the group stage.

Not a good record

"I don't know whether you have seen the record of this one, but it's not good," Benitez said yesterday. "The last six games in Europe, five the local team has won and one the away team, when it was Valencia against Chelsea. It's very curious.

"The referee has experience and he's not a bad referee, so if he knows he must be strong he will be OK."

Benitez urged the Italian referee to keep a careful eye on Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, whom he accused of feigning fouls.

"He is very, very strong and he falls down - he slips," Benitez said, "Everybody can see this every game, it is very clear."

John Arne Riise's own-goal in stoppage time last week gave Chelsea a potentially decisive away goal.

Now Liverpool have to score at Stamford Bridge for the first time since January 2004.

OK with Stamford Bridge

"We don't have any problem with Stamford Bridge," Benitez said. "The difference isn't just the stadium, it's the players on the pitch, they are really good, they haven't lost for 100 games or something like this (in the Premier League) and that means they are very strong at home.

"But we will try to score our goal. We don't need to win, just to draw 2-2 will be enough."

Another concern is that captain Steven Gerrard and defender Jamie Carragher would miss the May 21 final in Moscow if they are booked.

"In these situations I know it's not easy, but they have some experience and they know the key is to be in the final," Benitez said. "So if they can control every tackle it will be good, but if they cannot they must tackle. We need to be in the final."