"With all the circumstances and everything that was around at the beginning - the situation with the new signings, the squad being in transition - it was tough, but we've done a good job," he said.

"We've not had much time, having to play two games every week, but we've done well and hopefully we can do even better.

"We are professionals in our jobs. Since losing to Swansea [in the League Cup semi-finals], we've won 11 of our 13 games at home, with two draws and 11 wins.

"We're doing our job and hopefully a lot of [the fans] will appreciate that."

Chelsea hit back from a goal down in their semi-final second leg against Basel at Stamford Bridge on Thursday for a 3-1 victory on the night and 5-2 on aggregate.

After Fernando Torres had cancelled out Mohamed Salah's first-half opener early in the second period, Victor Moses made it 2-1 before David Luiz sealed Chelsea's place in the final with a magnificent curling shot from 25 yards. It was a goal to match the Brazilian's superb long-range strike in Chelsea's recent 3-0 win at Fulham, and Benitez was quick to herald his display.

"I'm really pleased with him," said the Spaniard, whose contract expires at the end of the season. "Since I came, I've been talking to him and giving him confidence, and he's been giving me things back. He's been scoring with his right foot, scoring with his left foot, and he's been showing how good he is.

"He's a player with real quality and hopefully he can get even better."

Chelsea will start as favourites against Benfica at the Amsterdam ArenA in two weeks.

Benitez, though, says Chelsea must be wary of the Portuguese league leaders, who overcame Fenerbahce 3-2 on aggregate in the other semi-final.

"It's an opportunity for the club, but it will be tough," he said, "because Benfica are a very, very tough team."