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BENITEZ IS FLAVOUR OF THE MONTH -...Reds boss Rafa tops May search chart

16:00 6/06/2005

Rafael Benitez was the most searched-for figure in world football last month, according to the latest figures from soccer search engine Megasoccer.com.

The Spaniard had an immediate impact in his first season in English football, leading Liverpool to a famous victory in the Champions League, in the most dramatic fashion. Having won the UEFA Cup with Valencia in 2004, Benitez has added the title of European Champion to his impressive managerial honours list; with the help of Reds skipper Steven Gerrard and the rest of the heroes from that amazing night in Istanbul.

Liverpool's hopes of claiming a fifth European crown looked to have ended after half an hour of their game against AC Milan, who raced into a 3-0 lead. But some astute tactical changes and a rousing half time team-talk from Benitez inspired his side to complete an incredible comeback, in six stupendous second-half minutes. Gerrard, Vladmir Smicer and Javi Alonso scored the goals, before Jerzy Dudek etched his name into the club's history with an unbelievable double save in extra-time and an uncanny Bruce Grobbelaar impression during the penalty shoot-out that succeeded in psyching out the opposition.

Michael Flynn, C.E.O. of Fast Web Media - the company behind Megasoccer.com - said: "Liverpool's Champions League victory was simply incredible, and Benitez must take an enormous amount of credit for that success. Fans around the world have been searching for him on Megasoccer, and just like Liverpool fans in Europe this season, they've been delighted with the results."

Top Ten Searches on Megasoccer.com in May 2005

1. rafael benitez
2. steven gerrard
3. malcolm glazer
4. jerzy dudek
5. stuart pearce
6. liverpool
7. chelsea
8. john obi mikel
9. west bromwich albion
10. ashley cole