Benitez to eclipse Bob Paisley?

If Rafa Benitez can make it a personal double and lead Liverpool to European glory for the 6th time in the clubs history, it could be argued that his achievement will eclipse that of 3 times winning manager, the late, great Bob Paisley.

In the late 70s and early 80s when English clubs dominated the European Cup, it was genuinely a tournament for Champions, unlike the bastardised format that followed which allows mediocrity to thrive in the shape of qualification for a 4th place finish (or even 5th if you win the cup!).

But if you actually look back to Liverpool's first 2 triumphs in '77 and '78 or as in my case are old enough (just) to remember their European campaigns you will see a competition that in my opinion was a lot easier to win.

In 1977 Liverpool played 8 games to get to the final including 2 against Crusaders (Northern Ireland) and a 2 legged semi final with Zurich.

In 1978 they were exempt from the 1st round and had to play just 6 times before a 'home' final at Wembley against FC Bruges

Tonight's clash at Anfield will be Liverpool's 14th Champions League fixture of the season, which was enough to reach 2 finals in the late 70's. Admittedly only 8 of these games have been in the traditional cup knockout format.

Personally I would prefer Liverpool's tradition to be rewarded tonight ahead of the noveau riche from Stamford Bridge and if it is Liverpool who progress, I for one will have Benitez right up there with Bob Paisley in terms of his European achievments - he does have a few Domestic league titles to catch up on though!