Rafa Benitez praises Newcastle 'fight and passion' at Liverpool

Rafa Benitez praised Newcastle's fighting spirit after they came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Liverpool on Saturday.

The Magpies looked to be heading for defeat at Anfield as they conceded after 68 seconds and then again on the half-hour mark.

However, Papiss Cisse cut the deficit before Jack Colback equalised to earn the visitors a point that could prove significant in their fight against Premier League relegation.

They are now level on points with Sunderland and one point behind 17th-placed Norwich, although they have played more games than both their relegation rivals.

"It's a big step because we can keep believing and fighting," Benitez told Sky Sports. "After the first minute we were a little bit worried. We conceded twice in the first half and we had to react.

"I'm really pleased because the fight and passion the players showed on the pitch made the difference. When you are at the bottom and you see this fight you have to be pleased. The fans were pushing and helping the team as well."

The point is Newcastle's first away from St James' Park in 2016 and they now finish the campaign with two home games against Crystal Palace and Tottenham, either side of a trip to relegated Aston Villa.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

"Every game is massive," said Benitez, who was given a warm reception on his return to the club he managed between 2004-2010. "We know we have to perform well and the fans are crucial for us.

"In the end it's a pity because we had one or two chances on the counter. But I think Liverpool are a great team and they were playing well so a draw is fine for us at the moment."