Chelsea will look to seal a Champions League spot for next season when they visit Aston Villa in their English Premier League game Saturday.
The Blues can as good as wrap up a top-four place this season if they pick up all three points against Villa, who themselves have been in a rich vein of form, which has seen them climb well above the relegation zone.
"I think it (the Europa League) has been important for us, to keep everyone on their toes and ready to play, so it's been positive in the end," Benitez said.
"All of the games are important but the main one will be Aston Villa. It was a pity last night because I felt we could win the game, but we will have to do it now against Villa and try to get in the top three.
"We know it's really important but at the same time we know we have to win one game. If we can win against Villa it will be easier to approach the final with confidence."
Frank Lampard is just one goal short of equaling Bobby Tambling's all-time club record, and Benitez, after confirming the veteran would star, believes the veteran midfielder will definitely get to the mark.
"I have confidence that he will do it," Benitez added. "He will play at least one more game and we will wait to see what happens in the other two. Frank is a great professional, a very good player. I am really pleased with him because he is training very well every day and his fitness is quite good.
"He will play against Aston Villa and I cannot say anything about the final. We have to play another game and after I will decide the team for the final. I will do what I can to win games and at the same time if I can help Frank I will do it."
Chelsea will have John Obi Mikel available, while Victor Moses and Eden Hazard are doubts, with Ryan Bertrand ruled out.
Villa will take a late call on Matthew Lowton, while Ciaran Clark and Karim El Ahmadi are ruled out.
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Expected lineups: Aston Villa: Guzan; Lichaj, Vlaar, Baker, Bennett; Westwood, Sylla, Delph; Weimann, Benteke, Agbonlahor.
Chelsea: Cech; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Terry, Cole; Mikel, Lampard; Oscar, Mata, Hazard; Ba.
Prediction: 2-0 to Chelsea
