LIVERPOOL, England (AFP) - Rafa Benitez's Liverpool reign may not be over just yet after late goals from Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard clinched a 2-0 win over 10-man Inter Milan in Tuesday's Champions League last 16 first leg.

Benitez was shifting uncomfortably on the touchline while Liverpool struggled to break-down Inter following Marco Materazzi's dismissal for a second booking after only 30 minutes.

But Kuyt struck with five minutes to play and Gerrard's last minute effort put the seal on another famous European night at Anfield to give the hosts their 100th European home win and inflict Inter's first defeat since September.

"I had confidence in the team as they played with a lot of passion and were very positive," said Benitez.

"I told them at half-time to keep playing and pass the ball.

"Their attitude was brilliant but that is because the players are playing for the club.

"It is a great win but we have another match to go," added the typically understated Spaniard.

Gerrard, scorer of so many important goals in Europe for the club, admitted it was a huge win but urged caution.

"We certainly don't want to get carried away," said the England star.

"They (Inter) are a top side and the second leg is still to come.

"It is not just a big win for the manager but it is for everyone connected with the club, from the fans to us the players."

Benitez' Italian counterpart Roberto Mancini refused to admit that it was game over.

"We knew that after Liverpool's defeat at the weekend (knocked out at home in the FA Cup by Championship side Barnsley) they were going to come out all guns blazing.

"However, Steven Gerrard's goal is not our death knell. Other teams have come back from such deficits," added Mancini, who revealed that defender Ivan Cordoba had suffered a knee injury.

Benitez's prospects of staying at Anfield beyond the end of the season had hardly been enhanced by Saturday's humiliating FA Cup defeat against Barnsley, fueling suggestions he will be sacked if he doesn't win the Champions League.

But success in Europe's elite club competition has never been a problem for Benitez.

He has led Liverpool to two finals in three seasons, winning the trophy in 2005, and it would be no surprise if the Reds reach May's showpiece in Moscow.

While Liverpool's American co-owners have been slow to back Benitez, this was the kind of evening that made it clear why the fans are firmly in his corner.

A defiantly drawn-out rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' before kick-off provided a pointed reminder of where their affections lay.

It set the tone for an electrifying start from Liverpool. Where they had been hesitant and timid in recent weeks, now they tore into the Italian champions.

Gerrard's rampaging run was only halted by a cynical tug from Christian Chivu before Materazzi was harshly booked for the slightest nudge on Fernando Torres.

Mancini's side, unbeaten in Serie A this season, arrived on Merseyside boasting one of Europe's most formidable records, but they were too quick to concede ground here.

Materazzi paid the price when he allowed Torres to break in the 30th minute. The Italy centre-back could only halt Torres's surge by tugging on his shoulder and, although the Liverpool striker made a meal of his fall, referee Frank de Bleeckere was quick to send off Materazzi for a second booking.

Liverpool had the numerical advantage but they did little with it before half-time. Only Kuyt's tame shot brought Cesar into action.

Inter midfielder Esteban Cambiasso threatened with a shot that looped over early in the second half. That seemed to reinvigorate Benitez's team.

Torres burst clear in the 58th minute, only to drag his shot wide, before Sami Hyypia headed over from Steve Finnan's cross.

Gerrard appealed for a penalty when his flick struck Patrick Vieira on the hand but de Bleeckere was unmoved.

Liverpool persevered to the last and finally got their reward in the 85th minute.

Jermaine Pennant's cross ran through to Kuyt at the far post and his shot deflected into the net off Maicon.

Inter were shattered and Gerrard put them to the sword again in the 90th minute when his low shot from distance skimmed past Cesar. Suddenly Benitez can breathe a little easier.