Soccer-Liverpool in better shape for latest bout with AC Milan

By Trevor Huggins

LONDON, May 18 (Reuters) - Liverpool will head into Wednesday's re-match with AC Milan in far better shape than they did for their amazing Champions League triumph in 2005.

Two years after Liverpool came back from the dead to draw 3-3 with Milan and then beat them in a penalty shoot-out, Liverpool have improved both on and off the pitch in their bid to bring a sixth European Cup back to Anfield.

Spanish coach Rafa Benitez has strengthened the rearguard and built a defensive midfield wall that should prevent the Italians from racing into another 3-0 lead by halftime.

Though Polish keeper Jerzy Dudek produced the shoot-out heroics with his 'rubber legs' antics in Istanbul, Jose Reina offers a great deal more security over 90 or even 120 minutes.

The Spaniard is also no slouch when facing spot-kicks, his prowess having secured Liverpool's place in the Athens final on penalties at Anfield against Chelsea last month.

Danish centre-half Daniel Agger, whose goal against Chelsea levelled the tie at 1-1, is sharper than Sami Hyypia and also has an eye for goal, while John Arne Riise, a left midfielder last time, should now start at the left back slot occupied in Istanbul by Djimi Traore.

Before they come into play, though, Milan must find a way past likely midfield pair Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso.

The two men, whose presence would force skipper Steven Gerrard out to the right, have struck up a good rapport since Mascherano joined from West Ham United earlier this year.