Champions League success is keeping Rafa Benitez in the Liverpool job, it has been revealed.

The Daily Star Sunday says before victory in Madrid, the issue with some members of the Anfield hierarchy had become whether he should be sacked.

There was growing concern in the boardroom at Rafa's stalling on a new contract, his tactics in aiming for more control at the club and the team's slump in the title race after his rant at Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

It's also reported senior players were becoming dismayed at the situation. But Benitez will not be sacked while their success in Europe continues.

Victory in Madrid has strengthened his position at a time when the Merseyside rumour mill had him on his way out and bookies had stopped taking bets on his departure.

Benitez's position could all change again if Liverpool blow their advantage in the second leg of their Champions League tie against Real next week.