XABI ALONSO believes Liverpool’s dramatic European elimination is proof they will fight Manchester United all the way for the Premier League crown.

Rafael Benitez’s side came agonisingly close to producing one the greatest comebacks in Champions League history in their quarter-final tie at Chelsea on Tuesday.

Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, Liverpool twice came within a goal of reaching the semi-finals before having to settle for an astonishing 4-4 draw.

Now the focus for the Anfield outfit in their final six games turns to surpassing league leaders United, who lead by a point and have a potentially decisive game in hand.

And echoing the sentiments of his manager, Alonso reckons Liverpool retain the belief they can end their 19-year wait for the championship.

“We are now thinking about the Premier League,” said the Spain international. “We are in a good moment and we have to try and keep that moment.

“It will be very difficult to win the league but we have to have a go and try to win all our games.

“Logically we should have more time to rest but sometimes you prefer to keep playing games. We are not happy because we are out.

“We showed that character is an important part of this team; we keep fighting when in difficult situations.”