Volcanic eruptions may have darkened the skies for many but the horizon still looks bright for Steven Gerrard and his team as they speed across country towards Madrid in the hope of booking their place in the Europa League final.
Confidence was lifted by Monday's relatively easy 3-0 victory against an absent West Ham team at Anfield, but confidence will need to be much higher if Liverpool hope to contain a dangerous Atletico Madrid side.
Although under performing of late with just six points from 21 in the Spanish league, Atletico still pose a serious threat with an attacking unit containing Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan, who have netted 42 times between them; although thankfully Aguero will miss the first leg.
What will also be reassuring for Benitez is Atletico have so far conceded 82 times in all competitions, although the Spanish team have been tighter at home so the return fixture at Anfield will once again be crucial if Liverpool don't perform well defensively tomorrow night.
Thankfully for Benitez and his players the early season defensive injury's and confidence issues have been rectified as they once again hold one of the top three best defensive records in the Premier League, behind only Chelsea (-1) and United (-6).
One of the reasons for a more secure defensive line recently has been the rapidly growing and industrious partnership of Lucas and Mascherano; a secure holding position in front of the back two without the ball, and more width when the team have possession as the full backs can get forward with more confidence the space is covered.
Despite the constant "defensive" label unjustly given, Lucas has proven many times already this season he also likes to get forward in attack and that he definitely has an eye for a defense splitting pass; a fact swept under the carpet when he is ridiculed as a flop.
Playing both against Atletico on Thursday (with Carragher and Kyriakos at centre half) should give enough security to nullify any threat through the middle of the park, but it also provides the platform necessary for the more attacking players in the Liverpool side and the fullbacks to counter with confidence.
Unfortunately an in-form Maxi Rodriguez will not get to line-up against his former teammates due to appearing in Europe for Atletico earlier in the season, so the left side of midfield will need to be addressed by Benitez.
If the Liverpool manager continues his successful European ethos away from home in European competition by playing counter attacking football then Ryan Babel could be a perfect replacement for the missing Argentine, leaving the trickery and magic from Yossi Benayoun as a second half sub if a late goal is needed to take back to Anfield.
However, Ryan Babel lacks the composure and tactical discipline required for such a crucial part of the two-legged tie. Much like Benayoun, the Dutchman would be more effective as an impact substitute, which leaves the question as to who will take up the left side of attack?
With Fernando Torres out for the rest of the season a young but dangerous David Ngog should lead the line and as usual the three attacking players who sit behind the front man is debatable.
Hopefully Aquilani has recovered enough from an ankle knock to feature behind Ngog, his European experience and clever passing abilities should fair well against an Atletico defence that's leaked 18 goals in the last ten games.
Which could move Steven Gerrard to the right of attack, a position that has proved fruitful in the past and another fine display from the wing against West Ham on Monday night highlights just how effective his crosses are for the team.
With Emiliano Insua and Fabio Aurelio out through injury, Daniel Agger should take up the left back position again. Despite clever feet going forward and sound defensive duties, it's still an unusual position for the Dane, so Dirk Kuyt deployed on the left will provide extra security and the ability for Kuyt to cut in and unleash his fierce right foot.
This line-up could provide a very strong defensive unit that still possesses a serious threat going forward, with the only real weak link being the inexperience of David Ngog at this level of competition.
Whatever the starting 11 may be, hopefully the 24 hour train journey home from Spain will bring with it a strong position for the return leg at Anfield in a weeks time.
Liverpool's season may have been grounded by its own dark cloud on the pitch and volcanic eruptions in the boardroom, but the Europa League trophy could yet provide a ray of sunshine that may spark a return to form next year.