Defeat for young team : Kaiserlautern 1-0 Liverpool

**Liverpool again failed to reap victories in both test matches. Roy Hodgson's landing forces bent Kaiserlautern with the score 0-1.

After the first trial held under the tutelage of Grasshopper 0-0 Hodgson, Liverpool at home to face the opponent Kaiserslautern, Fritz Walter Stadium, Saturday (07/24/2010).

In that game, Liverpool has been reinforced by a number of major players such as Sotiris Kyrgiakos, Lucas Leiva and David N'Gog, as well as new players, Milan Jovanovic.

Liverpool's official website announces the game for quite balanced. However Kaiserslautern became the only team that managed to score a goal through Iilan Mickanski in minute 32.

This goal stems from a successful action Bilkey Jiri outwit the keeper, Daniel Ayala. Bilkey and then remove the cross that a flick header by Mickanski uncontrollably by goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri.

Line-Ups:

Kaiserslautern: Sippel; Bugera (Stulin 83), Amedick, Francisco, Dick (Hornig 88); Amri (Fuchs 75), Bilek (Kirch 57), Tiffert (Rivic 56), Ilicevic; Micanski, Nemec

Liverpool: Cavalieri, Darby, Ayala, Kyrgiakos (Irwin 77), Kelly (Ince 68), Jovanovic (Degen 46), Spearing (Palsson 76), Lucas (Shelvey 74), Amoo; Ngog (Della Valle 73), Eccleston (Robinson 82)

Lampard and Drogba scored, stay one step farther to claim the crown against Wigan

LIVERPOOL 0

CHELSEA 2
- Drogba 33,
- Lampard 54

**Chelsea moved to the brink of the Premier League title as they cruised to a comfortable victory against Liverpool at Anfield.

Carlo Ancelotti's side knew the win would leave them with the task of beating Wigan Athletic at home on the final day of the season to claim the crown - irrespective of Manchester United's result at Sunderland.

And, after a slow start, they were put on the path towards the title by Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who gifted Didier Drogba the opening goal after 33 minutes with a dreadful back pass that left the striker with an easy job of scoring in front of goal.

The goal, and the manner in which it was conceded, ended Liverpool's fleeting resistance and Chelsea cantered to victory.

Frank Lampard added the second from Nicolas Anelka's cross nine minutes after the interval, with only Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina preventing a more emphatic victory margin.

Much had been made of the potentially unpalatable prospect - for Liverpool fans at least - of a victory for their team opening the door for United to eclipse the Anfield club's tally of 18 titles. But suggestions that Rafael Benitez's side would stand aside to avoid this eventuality proved incorrect.

Liverpool were not betrayed by a lack of effort, it was a lack of energy after playing through 120 minutes against Atletico Madrid on Thursday to no avail that was part of their downfall. And more crucially, in a condemnation of a managerial reign that may well be coming to a close, it was a lack of quality and squad strength assembled by Benitez that was brutally exposed by Chelsea.

As Chelsea ruthlessly closed in on the points, Liverpool saw their last faint hopes of Champions League football extinguished with one game left of a season that started with so much optimism but is ending awash with uncertainty surrounding the future of Benitez, and the ownership of the club.

Benitez joined Liverpool's squad and their families as they made their way around Anfield as a "thank you" to their supporters after the final whistle - but the response to the manager was relatively muted and there is a growing sense that this is likely to turn out to be his final game at Anfield in charge after a six-year reign.

In contrast to Liverpool's despair, Chelsea know the title is almost in their grasp - with the possibility of claiming an historic double with the FA Cup final against Portsmouth still to come.

Benitez resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes after Liverpool's Europa League exit. Injured Glen Johnson was replaced by Sotirios Kyrgiakos, while Maxi Rodriguez, ineligible against Atletico, came in for Ryan Babel.

Lampard was just off target from long-range inside the first minute, but Liverpool emerged as the better side in what was admittedly a desperately mediocre opening half hour.

Alberto Aquilani came closest in that spell with a drive from outside the penalty area that glanced off the bar with Chelsea keeper Petr Cech beaten.

As the opening half threatened to drift aimlessly to its conclusion, a shocking error from Gerrard presented Chelsea with a lead their lacklustre efforts barely deserved. Under no pressure, Liverpool's captain sent a backpass straight to Drogba, who could barely believe his luck as he rounded Reina to score in an unguarded net.

Chelsea believed they should have had the opportunity to double their advantage in the dying moments of the half when Salomon Kalou fell as he raced into the box accompanied by Lucas. Referee Alan Wiley appeared to put the whistle his lips in readiness to award a penalty, but then waved away Chelsea's claims.

Ancelotti's side started with real purpose after the break, with Anelka somehow failing to convert Kalou's cross from almost on the goalline - but they did not have to wait long for the goal their fans clearly believed claimed the title.

Anelka made amends for his earlier miss by beating Liverpool's attempts to play the offside trap before crossing for Lampard to slide in a simple finish.

The fight visibly drained out of Liverpool, who had to replace the injured Jamie Carragher with Daniel Ayala, and Reina had to produce an outstanding save low to his left to turn away Florent Malouda's volley.

Reina was keeping the score within respectable proportions for a Liverpool side who had barely raised a gallop after Drogba's goal, and he was forced to save twice from Anelka in the space of seconds as Chelsea went in for the kill.

All that was left was for Chelsea to play out time without any mishaps - which they were able to do without alarm as they moved to the brink of reclaiming the Premier League.

Source : BBC

Squads:

Liverpool: Reina, Mascherano, Kyrgiakos, Carragher (Ayala 57th), Agger, Gerrard, Lucas, Maxi (Babylon 42nd), Aquilani (Ngog 77th), Benayoun, Kuyt

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Alex, Ashley Cole, Lampard, Ballack, Malouda, Kalou (Zhirkov 88), Drogba, Anelka (J. Cole 90)

Atletico Madrid are through to the final of the UEFA Europa League despite losing 2-1 at Liverpool

LIVERPOOL 2
- Aquilani 44,
- Benayoun 95

ATLETICO MADRID 1
- Forlan 102

**Atletico Madrid are through to the final of the UEFA Europa League despite losing 2-1 at Liverpool. Diego Forlan's extra time goal handed the Spaniards an away goal advantage.

Liverpool took the lead just before half time with Alberto Aquilani directing the ball past keeper David de Gea after a cross from Yossi Benayoun.

With the aggregate score level, extra time was needed at Anfield with Liverpool doubling their lead after five minutes as Benayoun turned in a right-winged cross from Lucas.

But the home crowd was silenced seven minutes later as poor marking allowed Jose Antonio Reyes to find Diego Forlan in the area, and the Uruguayan blasted it home for 2-1.

Atletico now had the away goal advantage, forcing Liverpool to score another in the remainder of extra time.

But the English could not create much danger near De Gea after Forlan's goal, which as it turned out was enough to lead his team to the Europa League final against Fulham.

Team Line-Ups:

Liverpool: Reina, Mascherano, Carragher, Agger, Johnson, Gerrard, Lucas, Benayoun, Aquilani, Babel, Kuyt. Subs: Cavalieri, Kyrgiakos, Ngog, Degen, El Zhar, Ayala, Pacheco

Atletico Madrid: De Gea, Valera, Dominguez, Perea, Antonio Lopez, Reyes, Paulo Assuncao, Raul Garcia, Simao, Aguero, Forlan. Subs: Sergio Asenjo, Camacho, Jurado, Salvio, Juanito, Ujfalusi, Cabrera

Liverpool 3-0 Westham United: Benayoun, N'Gog scores

LIVERPOOL 3
- Benayoun 19,
- N'Gog 29,
- Green (og) 59

WEST HAM UNITED 0

**Match report from tonight's home win in the encounter versus West Ham United

Robert Green's second-half own-goal capped a miserable night for struggling West Ham as Liverpool strolled to a 3-0 win at Anfield and kept alive their hopes of a top-four finish.

Yossi Benayoun and David N'gog got the ball rolling with goals inside the first-half hour and the Reds continued to completely dominate in front of their lowest crowd of the season and just before the hour Green was left helpless when Sotirios Kyrgiakos' header hit a post and bounced in off him.

The Reds flew out of the blocks with Argentine midfielder Maxi Rodriguez forcing Green into action at his near post in the opening five minutes.

Soon after N'gog tamely headed straight at Green after being sent clear but the Reds grabbed the lead in the 19th minute.

Steven Gerrard's free-kick found former West Ham star Benayoun, who neatly chested the ball down and watched the ball go in off the far post.

The Hammers finally came to life a minute later as Carlton Cole's shot was palmed behind by Pepe Reina.

But the game was all over as a contest in the 29th minute. Benayoun and Rodriguez combined to find N'gog and the young striker fired a fierce shot beyond Green.

Kyrgiakos and N'gog then wasted further chances to add to the lead and the busy Green turned behind a Dirk Kuyt shot just before the break as the Merseysiders continued to press.

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola introduced Mexican striker Guillermo Franco for Junior Stanislas but it was still one-way traffic.

Gerrard thought he should have had a penalty on 55 when his free-kick smashed into Mark Noble's hand in the wall.

But they had to wait just four minutes for another goal when Kyrgiakos poked a Gerrard free-kick onto a post and the ball went in off Green's leg.

Rodriguez was denied a fourth by a Green save as West Ham waved the white flag to stay just one place above the drop zone.

Squads:

Liverpool: Pepe Reina, Daniel Agger, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Jamie Carragher, Glen Johnson, Yossi Benayoun (Philipp Degen 78), 21-Lucas, 8-Steven Gerrard (20-Javier Mascherano 72), 17-Maxi Rodriguez; 24-David Ngog (Ryan babel 82), Dirk Kuyt

West Ham: Robert Green; Jonathan Spector (Fabio Daprela 80), Matthew Upson, Manuel Da Costa, 20-Julien Faubert; Valon Behrami, Mark Noble, Radoslav Kovac, Junior Stanislas (Guillermo Luis Farcuason Franco 45); Aruajo Ilan, Carlton Cole (Benedict McCarthy 72)

Liverpool lost moment in their pursuit of the fourth Champions League

**Liverpool appear dominant when entertain Fulham . But because there is no goal that is created, any additional points to make one step 'The Red' pursuit of the Champions League next season's ticket increasingly heavy.

Playing at Anfield, Sunday (11/4/2010), Liverpool launched an offensive barrage for the attack on the Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer who was escorted by. However, Lady Luck was not overshadow Liverpool which ultimately must be satisfied with the score 0-0.

With this result, the desire Liverpool finish in the four major would not only increasingly difficult. Gang Anfield position in the ranking of the six championship was vulnerable displaced because underneath there is Aston Villa who have two games more than Liverpool, with only two points behind it.

The game

Both Liverpool and Fulham are both not able to make a goal during the match at Anfield was thoroughly 45 minutes. As a result, the score was still 0-0 at halftime interval.

Liverpool made an early opportunity after only five minutes walk. Steven Gerrard bait bait casting distance from the left and eventually joined David N'Gog with thin broad volley kick from the goal.

Liverpool created another opportunity in the 22nd minute. From the left side, to release Ryan Babel cross and Alberto Aquilani welcomed with tandukan that are still on target.

Eight minutes later, Mark Schwarzer was forced to perform a rescue. From cooperation N'Gog and Aquilani, Javier Mascherano controlled the ball and then fired shots that make long distance and Schwarzer had to berjibaku.

Daniel Agger tried hard to open fire in the minutes of injury time. But the direction is still soaring.

One another golden opportunity for Liverpool was born on 62 minutes. This time the results of Babel tried to kick as he pushed over Schwarzer dropped. Light touch from the goalkeeper to make the ball actually hit the pole.

Seven minutes later once again successfully created opportunities only Liverpool. This time the bait Gerrard can continue N'Gog although its direction is not right on target.

Sotiris Kyrgiakos also recorded a golden chance for Liverpool. At 76 minutes, Dirk Kuyt sent a cross to the far pole and Kyrgiakos welcomed with header from close range which again still can not break down the Fulham goal.

Team Line-Ups:

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Kyrgiakos, Carragher, Agger, Aquilani (Kuyt '65), Mascherano, Maxi, Gerrard, Babel (Benayoun '72), Ngog (Pacheco '79)

Fulham: Schwarzer, Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Konchesky, greening (B Riise '82), Murphy (Dikgacoi '76), Etuhu, Duff, Nevland, Zamora (vinegar Okaka '68)

Torres with convincing struck twice, Dirk Kuyt and Lucas were also on target with a 4-1 victory against Benfica (agg 5-3)

LIVERPOOL 4
- Kuyt 27,
- Leiva 34,
- Torres 58,
- Torres 82

BENFICA 1
- Cardozo 70


**FERNANDO Torres struck twice as Liverpool produced a devastating attacking performance to power past Benfica into the Europa League semi-finals last night.

Dirk Kuyt and Lucas were also on target on a pulsating night at Anfield as the Reds overturned a 2-1 deficit from the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

Oscar Cardozo threatened to make life difficult with a goal that made it 3-1 on the night but Torres' second delightful finish ended the contest.

It was a performance that came in marked contrast to Liverpool's struggles in the Barclays Premier League and their increasingly forlorn attempts to finish fourth.

Benfica actually started the stronger and had an early opportunity after Jamie Carragher pushed the charging Pablo Aimar over on the edge of the box. Angel di Maria's free-kick went straight into the wall and was put behind for a corner.

Liverpool, though, began to take charge. They levelled the tie in the 27th minute after Yossi Benayoun won a corner on the left. Steven Gerrard delivered a perfect cross for Dirk Kuyt from the resulting set-piece and the Dutchman headed home from six yards.

Liverpool followed up with a second goal six minutes later as Gerrard slipped Lucas in on goal with a superb ball. The Brazilian showed great composure to swerve around Julio Cesar and tap in his first goal in 11 months.

The job was far from done, however, and Liverpool survived a couple of scares before the break as Cardozo fired a free-kick at Jose Reina and Sidnei had a shot deflected for a corner.

But Liverpool's deserved third arrived just before the hour from a swift counter-attack. Lucas was struck between the legs as the Reds defended a free-kick inside their own half. Benayoun raced into the Benfica half and spread the ball wide for Kuyt, whose first-time cross was swept in by the onrushing Torres.

Benfica, though, pulled one back on 70 minutes after Kuyt fouled Ramires on the edge of the area. Cardozo, who scored two penalties in the first leg, blasted in a low shot through a gap in the wall.

The Reds battled on and showed the resolve to kill off the tie eight minutes from time. Lucas won the ball in midfield with a powerful challenge and Javier Mascherano sent Torres clear with a brilliant pass. Torres made no mistake as he raced into the area and clipped the ball over keeper Jose Moreira – a replacement for the injured Cesar just moments earlier – with delicate poise. Torres will now face his former club, Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals after their 0-0 draw with Valencia saw them win on away goals.

Team Line-Ups :

Liverpool: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Agger, Gerrard (Aquilani 88), Benayoun (El Zhar 90), Mascherano, Lucas, Kuyt, Torres (Ngog 86)

Benfica: Julio Cesar (Jose Filipe 79); Luisao, David Luiz, Sidnei; Aimar (Coentrao 86), Martins (Kardec 66), Filipe Marcos, Javi Garcia, In Maria; Ramires, Cardozo

Babel sent-off, Daniel Agger goal with just under 10 minutes played.

BENFICA 2
* Cardozo (pen) 59,
* Cardozo (pen) 79

LIVERPOOL 1
* Agger 9

**Liverpool lit up the Stadium of Light with a 9th minute backheel before the referee sent off Ryan Babel, disallowed a Liverpool goal then gave Benfica two penalties - as the pressure from the illegal fire-crackers began to tell.

Liverpool’s only change from the weekends excellent win over Sunderland was the replacement of the cup-tied Rodriguez with Lucas.

Contrary to many people’s expectations the reds opened exceptionally brightly, dominating the opening exchanges and taking an early lead.

Steven Gerrard was felled just outside the box, one of many cynical fouls from the Portuguese side.

The resultant free kick showed that the reds set-piece work continues to be a training ground priority. A slide-rule pass found Daniel Agger who backheeled in to the goal. It was just desserts for the Danish defender, who had been searching all Sunday at Anfield to get himself on the scoresheet.

Aimar and Di Maria began to get involved in the game and were landing some crosses on to Cardozo’s head. But the chances were too far out and the player could not get sufficient power to trouble Pepe Reina.

In the 30th minute though it was time for Swedish referee Jonas Eriksson to take some of the limelight. Luisao hacked down Fernando Torres with a cynical tackle from behind and was yellow carded. Babel approached the player and an altercation resulted in Babel raising his hand to push the player away.

The referee brandished the yellow card again at the player before showing Babel the red card. Confused, so were we.

As the half wore on Benfica grew with their one man advantage. Towards the end of the half Insua was booked , meaning he misses the next leg. With Aurelio and now Martin Kelly injured – this could present the reds with a problem.

Liverpool had a goal ruled out for offside which on replay was not clear-cut.

The second half saw Benfica kicking towards their favoured end of the ground – and the firecrackers thrown on to the pitch to cloud Pepe’s judgement were a significant danger. The goalline official looked nervous, on more than one occassion walking away to speak to the referee.

On the hour the referee gifted Benfica a free kick after Agger had clearly taken the ball. From the free kick which rebounded off the post Insua haplessly brought down Aimar. Cardozo smashed in the penalty to level the result.

Following this, the game ebbed and flowed again – the reds should have scored when Torres was put one on one with the keeper – his shot going wide.

Jamie Carragher then sealed the reds fate when he handled the ball, again, from a Di Maria cross. Cardozu was on hand to put the penalty away.

Liverpool were unlucky to get beaten – and coped as well as they could with 10 men for most of the game. Next Thursday’s game will be interesting – Liverpool will certainly be out for revenge.

Man of the Match: Daniel Agger

Teams :

Benfica: Julio Cesar, Maxi Pereira (Nuno Gomes '66), Luisao, David Luiz, Fabio Coentrao, Javi Garcia, Ramires, Carlos Martins (Ruben Amorim '72 Marcos), At Maria, Aimar (Airton Ribeiro '86), Cardozo.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Agger, Carragher, Insua, Lucas, Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard (Benayoun 90), Babel, Torres (Ngog '82).

Source : anfield-online.co.uk

Fernando Torres back into a machine goal : Liverpool 3-0 Suderland

LIVERPOOL 3
- Torres 3,
- Johnson 32,
- Torres 60

SUNDERLAND 0

**Fernando Torres‘ third minute strike set the tone for a comfortable and impressive performance for Liverpool as they brushed aside Sunderland at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

Fernando Torres opened the scoring after just three minutes with a superb curling shot, that's realy brilliant goal by Spaniard after recovering from injury.

Rumble at Anfield didn't have to wait long for Glen Johnson had made it two. In the 32nd minute when Gerrard's inswinging corner was only cleared to the edge of the penalty area and the defender touched the ball inside on to his left foot and unleashed a shot which took a slight deflection off Turner to beat Gordon.

In the second half the Spain international was not to be denied much longer and on the hour he scored his second goal, which was as simple as his first was brilliant.

Torres scored his seventh goal in four matches, and his 18th in 21 Barclays Premier League appearances, midway through the second half as Liverpool coasted in the latter stages.

This season has shown the confusion of making predictions about Liverpool, but in fact Fernando Torres back into a machine goal.

Team Line-ups :

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Agger, Carragher, Insua, Mascherano, Gerrard (El Zhar 80 '), Kuyt (Aquilani 70'), Babel, Rodriguez, Torres (N'Gog 77 ').

Sunderland: Gordon, Bardsley, Turner, Cana, Ferdinand, Campbell, Henderson (Zenden 78 '), Cattermole, Richardson, Malbranque (Jones 48'), Bent.

Gerrard scored, Torres double in the party's revenge at Anfield Stadium

**Liverpool conceded a 1-0 defeat when they visited Lille in France in first leg match. But they are a strong side and can overcome the one goal deficit when they take on Lille at Anfield Stadium. They only thing which Rafa wants from his players is to play their own game and create chances so they can do it tonight.

The Reds began the match confidently when Steven Gerrard penalty on eight minutes after Lucas was felled by Adil Rami following a fine run past four players.

From the penalty spot Gerrard made no mistake sending Landreau the wrong way to give the home side the lead and level the tie up on aggregate.

In the second half Torres chipped in the second after the break with a goal in the 49th minute. A typically adept finish from the Spaniard a long ball from Babel was misjudged by Rami and fell into the path of Torres 25 yards from goal, to give the home side the lead in the tie

Starting from Kuyt shot on the right and fed Gerrard, who shot from 20 yards in the 90th minute and Torres pounced, flipping it casually into the net from seven yards.

Liverpool sealed the passage into the quarter finals of the competition thanks to a second goal from Torres and 3-1 on aggregate as they progressed to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

Team Line-ups :

Liverpool : Reina, Johnson, Agger (Kyrgiakos 90), Insua, Carragher, Gerrard, Mascherano, Lucas, Torres (Ngog 90), Kuyt, 19 Babel (Benayoun 80)

Lille : Landreau, Emerson, Beria, Rami, Balmont (Aubameyang 71), Cabaye, Obraniak, Chedjou Fongang, Mavuba, Hazard (Vandam 86), Frau (Toure 58)

Fernando Torres hit two, Aquilani finally found a performance with first goal

LIVERPOOL 4
- Torres 26,
- Babel 28,
- Aquilani 32,
- Torres 77

PORTSMOUTH 1
- Belhadj 88

**Fernando Torres hit two as Liverpool thumped bottom-club Portsmouth 4-1 to keep in the hunt for that final Champions League place.
Raf Benitez named an attacking line-up and the Reds seemed to keen to put their previous two defeats to Lille and Wigan firmly behind them.
First goal the Reds 26 minutes on the clock Fernando Torres after a mistake from stand-in goalkeeper Ashdown.

The Pompey shot-stopper’s attempted clearance was charged down by Gerrard, the ball spinning free in the area for Rodriguez who laid it across the box for Torres to sweep home the opener.

Matters quickly got worse for the visitors as two minutes later the Reds’ doubled their lead. Portsmouth failed to clear a cross from the right, which fell to Torres who attempted to shoot before rolling the ball back to Babel who poked it low and into the far corner, 2-0 position for host.

The Italian has been something of a menace so far, popping up all over the pitch, and this time he's the man in the box to sweep home the third goal in six minutes! Torres was again the provider, backheeling the ball into the area from near the byline on the left, with Gerrard's dummy allowing Aquilani to finish adroitly into the bottom corner. That's his first goal in English football.

After half-time at the 77th minute Torres grab his second of the game. Aquilani was the provider feeding the Spaniard inside the box and he cut inside Rocha before smashing his shot past the despairing dive of Ashdown, 4-0 visitor left behind.

With minutes to go the visitors grabbed a goal back to for chance position 4-1, Danny Webber’s cross finding Piquionne whose low ball across the box was finished neatly by Belhadj but it was little more than a consolation after a poor display by Avram Grant’s men.

Teams:

Liverpool: Jose Reina, Daniel Agger, Jamie Carragher, Emiliano Insua, Glen Johnson (Martin Kelly 71), Javier Mascherano, Alberto Aquilani, Ryan Babel, Maxi Rodriguez, Fernando Torres (David N'Gog 80), Steven Gerrard (Yossi Benayoun 74 ).

Portsmouth: Jamie Ashdown, Marc Wilson, Ricardo Rocha, Hermann Hreidarsson (Quincy Owusu-Abeyie 76), Steve Finnan, Michael Brown, Papa Bouba Diop (Aaron Mokoena 64), Jamie O'Hara (Danny Webber 85), Nadir Belhadj, Aruna Dindane, Frederic Piquionne.

Hugo Rodallega gives good skills in relegation battle

WIGAN ATHLETIC 1
- Rodallega 35

LIVERPOOL 0

**Competed for 90 minutes, plus injury time, Liverpool finally had to admit the benefits of Wigan Athletic. The Reds defeated 0-1 by goals scored by Hugo Rodallega.

In the action in DW Stadium, Monday (8/3/2010) , Liverpool created enough chances, but none of them managed to convert into goals. In contrast, Wigan appear effective.

One goal was succeeded by taking advantage of carelessness of Dirk Kuyt. And finally succeeded in their goal to maintain the long whistle sounded.

These results do not change the position of Liverpool who are still stuck in sixth position with a notch 48 value. As for Wigan, this victory made their position up to the order of 14 with a collection of 28 value.

Match path

Liverpool became the first team to earn a chance at this fight. Football Steven Gerrard corner passed by Sotirios Kyrgiakos to the Fernando Torres. Direct last name continues to kick volleyball. Damn him, the ball still hit the goalpost.

Wigan responded to pressure. At minute 18, Charles N'Zogbia to puncture and successfully passed Emiliao Insua. He gives pass to Marcelo Moreno who was standing in front of goal. Unfortunately for Wigan, Jamie Carragher swiftly grab the ball has led to Moreno.

In the 27th minute, Gerrard's turn to get a golden opportunity. Receive a pass from Yossi Benayoun, Liverpool captain is directly off a hard kick. Chris Kirkland was unable to defuse it, but the ball was still widening.

Continue to be attacked, instead Wigan scored first in minute 35. Superior host after Dirk Kuyt made a mistake. Defense toward Operannya instead cut by Mohamed Diame.

Diame then send feedback to the defense cross 'The Red' and Rodallega who was there, successfully pass with a flick. Liverpool's goal was breaking.

In the second half, Liverpool raise the tempo of the game. Two minutes after halftime, scoring chance for it to come again. Pass to Maxi Rodriguez Insua forwarded directly to the Torres. But Torres failed to solve this opportunity well after his shot soared above the crossbar.

One chance again obtained Torres on 75 minutes. Same as before, getting feedback from the mature Rodriguez, from Spain striker is continuing with volleyball kick hard enough,

The result? The ball has not met the target, but wide in the side of the goal. 15-minute live action towards the end and Liverpool never could convert the chances into goals.

Teams :

Wigan: Chris Kirkland, Emerson Boyce, Gary Caldwell, Titus Bramble, Maynor Figueroa, Mohamed Diame, (Hendry Thomas 83) James McCarthy, Charles N'Zogbia, Paul Scharner, Hugo Rodallega (Jason Scotland 87), Marcelo Moreno (67 Victor Moses ).

Liverpool: Jose Reina, Javier Mascherano, Jamie Carragher, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Emiliano Insua, Lucas Leiva (Glen Johnson 55), Steven Gerrard, Maxi Rodriguez, Dirk Kuyt (Ryan Babel 83), Yossi Benayoun (Alberto Aquilani 69), Fernando Torres.

Gerrard & Torres Ensure Victory At Anfield

LIVERPOOL 2
- Gerrard 20,
- Torres 44

BLACKBURN ROVERS 1
- Andrews (pen) 40

**Liverpool win 2-1 at 28 week English League. Entertain Blackburn Rovers, the Reds won 2-1 thanks to goals that scored by Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

At Anfield, Sunday (28/2/2010), Liverpool winning first through Steven Gerrard in the 20th minute. The visitors had equalized through a penalty executions Keith Andrews in the 40th minute, before Torres ensure victory with a goal host in 43 minutes.

This is the first victory in English League Liverpool after the two previous matches Manchester City 0-0 balanced and subject to Arsenal by 0-1. An additional three points to make the Kop are now collecting 48 points and had six positions go mandarins.

Create Blackburn, the defeat of the 12 it makes them not depart from the board mid-table. With 34 total points accumulated, they are stuck in position 12.

Match path

When the game has been running for two minutes, Blackburn had threatened goalkeeper Pepe Reina guarded. Christopher Samba header from a distance with the keeper caught the Spanish origin.

Nine minutes later, Blackburn returned to threaten Liverpool's goal. Nikola Kalinic kick receiving from Morten Gamst Pedersen ball veered to the right side of the goal.

Despite the continued attack by the visitors, but Liverpool managed to excel even in the first 20 minutes by foot Gerrard. Liverpool skipper was receiving feedback from Yossi Benayoun and then took him to the left side of the goal and let rip a loud kick Paul Robinson's goal. This is the eighth goal was England international players throughout this season.

Reina was forced back by a squad of hard work Sam Allydarce landing. Goalkeepers numbered 25 should be back to catch the ball jump Pedersen kick from close range.

Chance the home team doubled the advantage 30 minutes. However, the header from Dirk Kyut still extended to the left side of the Blackburn goal after receiving feedback Gerrard.

Jamie Carragher disastrous for the team at minute 40. England defender's conduct in the box handsball forbidden fruit gift penalty. Keith Andrews successfully directing the ball into the bottom right Reina's goal and score automatically changed to 1-1.

Four minutes later, Liverpool managed to lead. This time through cooperation between Maxi Rodriguez - Torres. The last player called successful kick off at close range and made his team leading 2-1. Score stood until halftime ..

The Reds again get a chance in the 54th minute. Gerrard free-kick from the right side of the field greeted by Daniel Agger header. But the ball is not on target due to float above Robinson's goal.

Robinson returned to rescue a hit four minutes later. He denied Kuyt header leading to the lower left corner of Gerrard assists.

Blackburn who continued to fight trying to find goals penyama counterattack. El Hadji Diouff provide feedback to David Hoilett, but on the left side field can still be anticipated Reina.

The rest, the game went relatively flat. And there is no threat means that waged by the two teams that competed.

New in 83 minutes, the hosts back Gerarrd create opportunities through which to accept the ball from Kuyt. But score changed frustrated because his shot was deviated far to the left of the visitors goal.

Blackburn are still left, trying to equalize in the last minute game. Effort will be made by the Samba but it did not work into goals. Finally, the long whistle to signal the game there is no goal is created. Score remained at 2-1 to win the number of Liverpool.

Teams

Liverpool: Pepe Reina, Daniel Agger, Jamie Carragher; Fabio Aurelio (Emiliano Insua '39); Javier Mascherano; Lucas; Steven Gerrard; Maxi Rodriguez; Dirk Kuyt; Fabio Aurelio; Yossi Benayoun (Ryan Babel '81); Fernando Torres (David Ngog '89)

Blackburn: Paul Robinson; Gael Givet; Christopher Samba; Martin Olsson (Pascal Chimbonda '51); Michel Salgado; Morten Gamst Pedersen; Keith Andrews; Nzonzi Steven (Vince Grella '60); David Hoilett (Jason Roberts '65); El - Hadji Diouff; Nikola Kalinic



Source : http://soccerblogvideo.blogspot.com

Mascherano, Babel and Gerrard score as Liverpool come Steaua Stadium visited

Unirea Urziceni 1
- Fernandes 19

Liverpool 3
- Mascherano 30,
- Babel 40,
- Gerrard 57

**Liverpool FC came from behind to beat FC Unirea Urziceni 3-1 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate to book a place in the UEFA Europa League round of 16.

Unirea grabbed the first goal of the evening when a Frunza corner found an unmarked Joao Bruno Fernandes rose unmarked about 10 yards out to send a powerful header into the net, who headed in from close-range to put the Romanian side level on aggregate.

Gerrard take across headed it back to Babel, whose reactions were sluggish and allowed Unirea to scramble it out to the edge of the box. However, Javier Mascherano from long-range surged on to it and spanked it into the net beat Unirea keeper Giedrius Arlauskis comprehensively from 30 yards.

Ryan Babel fired Liverpool in front in the 40th minute, a Gerrard free-kick only to see out-of-favor Dutch winger Ryan Babel prod it in from close range, giving the Reds a 2-1 lead. He's played well so far and that was a lovely finish from seven yards.

But the visitors effectively secured their passage to the next round with Liverpool captain Gerrard found the back of the net, firing a shot into the bottom left-hand corner from just inside the box, giving the Reds a 4-1 lead on aggregate.

Until the end of the fight no longer a goal created and Liverpool won with a score of 3-1.

Team Lineup :

Unirea Urziceni: Giedrius Arlauskis, Vasile Maftei, Joao Bruno Fernandes, George Galamaz (Ersin Mehmedovic 27), Valeriu Ionut Bordeanu, Sorin Paraschiv (Vilana Ricardo 56), Iulian Apostol, Razvan Paduretu, Sorin Frunza, Marius Onofras (Antonio Semedo 62), Marius Bilasco.

Liverpool: Jose Reina, Jamie Carragher (Martin Kelly 61), Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel (Sotirios Kyrgiakos 66), Emiliano Insua, Steven Gerrard, Yossi Benayoun (Fabio Aurelio 77), Javie Mascherano, Lucas Leiva, Ryan Babel, David Ngog.

Pepe Reina great performance when yellow card day

MANCHESTER CITY 0

LIVERPOOL 0

**Manchester City and Liverpool played out a miserable stalemate at Eastlands as they battled for fourth place in the Premier League.

Roberto Mancini and Rafael Benitez have their sights set on a place in next season's Champions League - but this was a wretched advert for their lofty ambitions in an encounter that plumbed the depths for long periods.

Emmanuel Adebayor had City's best opportunities with a shot that was well saved by Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina and a header just off target.

Martin Skrtel headed wide from Liverpool's clearest opening late in the first half, but both teams were so poor that it would have been a travesty had either claimed all three points.

Liverpool could at least point to the return of Fernando Torres, who made a 15-minute appearance as a substitute after knee surgery, but there was little else to provide any cheer amid an Eastlands downpour.

Yossi Benayoun, also back after injury, may have had a penalty had he gone down late on and Liverpool are likely to be the happier with a point.

But a DVD of this desperate encounter should be required viewing for the clubs chasing City and Liverpool for a top-four spot - because it would provide ample encouragement that they can be overhauled.

Liverpool were lifted by Torres' comeback on the bench, while City boss Mancini kept Craig Bellamy as a substitute after a difference of opinion between the pair during the week.

There was not much on offer to excite the pair as the opening 45 minutes produced a wretched spectacle, the lack of quality reflected in the increasingly frustrated mood of the Eastlands gallery.

Liverpool were marginally the better side in the opening exchanges, although keeper Reina offered City rare hope when he hesitated over a clearance, but they were unable to take advantage.

Skrtel wasted the game's best chance on the stroke of half-time when he headed Steven Gerrard's corner wide from six yards. City would have been infuriated to fall behind in such fashion as referee Peter Walton missed a deflection off Skrtel to award the corner to Liverpool.

s a heavy downpour rained down on Eastlands, City opened the second half with greater purpose and Liverpool's Ryan Babel was forced to take a lengthy count after he was struck on the head by a vicious cross from Adam Johnson.

Emmanuel Adebayor almost lifted the gloom on and off the pitch with a long-range effort that Reina did well to save low down by his post.

Benitez made a change after 62 minutes, introducing fit-again Benayoun for the disappointing Maxi Rodriguez as Liverpool pushed for the crucial breakthrough.

Mancini swiftly followed suit, introducing Bellamy for Shaun Wright-Phillips to a huge ovation from City's fans delighted to see the Welshman enter the action.

The mediocrity continued unabated and Liverpool supporters were able to finally greet the return of Torres with 15 minutes left when he came on for Babel, while City took the opportunity to send on Abdisalam Ibrahim for Stephen Ireland.

Adebayor was in position to break the deadlock with 11 minutes left, but he was halted by Skrtel's vital interception - and then headed narrowly over from the resulting corner as a dreadful game drifted to its predictable conclusion.

Time Lineup :

Manchester City : Given, Bridge, Zabaleta, Lescott, Kompany, Ireland (Ibrahim 75), Wright-Phillips (Bellamy 68), A Johnson, Barry, De Jong, Adebayor

Liverpool : Reina, Agger, Insua, Carragher, Skrtel, Gerrardy, Maxi (Benayoun 63), Mascherano, Lucas, Kuyt(Aquilani 86), Babel (Torres 75 yellow card)

Source : http://news.bbc.co.uk

Liverpool 1 - 0 Unirea Urziceni: David Ngog leaves it late as Liverpool finally break down Unirea

Liverpool 1
- N'Gog 81

Unirea Urziceni 0

**STRIKER David Ngog's goal nine minutes from time eventually broke the resistance of a determined Unirea Urziceni at Anfield in the Europa League.
With the visitors intent on soaking up plenty of pressure, Rafael Benitez's side struggled to find the creativity to get past the massed Romanian ranks. However, the Frenchman's close-range header meant the Reds have some breathing space as they head to last-32 second leg.

The victory was only Liverpool's third in nine European fixtures since they hammered Real Madrid 4-0 in the last 16 of the Champions League 11 months ago – a disappointing run which contributed to their exit from Europe's elite-level competition in December.

Their job would have been easier had Steven Gerrard converted their first chance after just 25 seconds when Unirea lost possession straight from the kick-off. Albert Riera and Dirk Kuyt linked up for the Dutchman to put the midfielder through but his side-foot shot was tipped over by goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis, who then punched away the Liverpool captain's corner.

Unirea's 4-5-1 formation meant they were happy to keep ten men behind the ball and when Liverpool gained possession they all immediately retreated to the halfway line – meaning the hosts had to work hard for their openings.

However, Kuyt enjoyed some luck in the tenth minute when his heavy touch in the penalty area was not cleared and he followed up to flash a shot across goal which Arlauskis tipped past the post.

Gerrard was next to miss a chance, planting a 12-yard header from Riera's cross well wide.

Riera tried his luck from distance in the 26th minute but his left-foot drive was deflected wide by George Galamaz.

The game had taken on an attack versus defence training exercise with Unirea rarely venturing forward.

When they did, with a counter-attack just after the half-hour, Marius Onofras attempted an audacious lob over Jose Reina from the halfway line wide on the right but the Spain goalkeeper comfortably claimed.

Javier Mascherano's 30-yard drive was deflected wide by Razvan Paduretu while Ngog's shot on the turn from just inside the penalty area was also diverted wide.

Five minutes before half-time Bruno Fernandes was booked for bringing down Gerrard as he looked to burst clear but Daniel Agger drilled the 35-yard free-kick straight into the wall.

Heartened by their first-half performance Unirea looked more inclined to go forward after the break but it was Liverpool who had the first chance with Gerrard heading wide again from Jamie Carragher's 52nd-minute cross.

Pablo Brandan was booked for tripping Gerrard in the centre-circle, ruling him out of next week's second leg through suspension.

Had Paduretu shown more composure on the edge of the area Liverpool could have been in trouble but the midfielder hacked wildly over. Fabio Aurelio then unleashed a low drive on target but he was denied by a good low save from Arlauskis.

The ineffective Riera was replaced by Ryan Babel for the last 28 minutes and he began with two decisive runs, the latter resulting in a cross to Gerrard at the far post which the England international could not keep in.

Mascherano was booked for a foul on Iulian Apostol as Liverpool continued to labour.

Martin Skrtel should have put the home side ahead in the 71st minute but he headed over Aurelio's inswinging corner from five yards. Benitez sent on reserve team striker Daniel Pacheco, making only his second appearance in Europe, for Alberto Aquilani with quarter of an hour remaining.

Mascherano was caught in possession by Apostol, who charged forward 20 yards before curling a shot woefully wide.

With nine minutes to go the breakthrough finally came, with Pacheco playing an important part.

The diminutive Spaniard, possibly the smallest player on the pitch, out-jumped his marker at the far post to head back across goal for Ngog to nod in from five yards.

Gerrard fired just wide in the closing stages as Liverpool pushed for the second which would give them a cushion ahead of the second leg.

Teams :

Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Aurelio, Mascherano, Aquilani (Pacheco 75), Kuyt, Gerrard, Riera (Babel 63), Ngog (Lucas 89). Subs not used: Cavalieri, Kyrgiakos, Insua, Degen. Booked: Mascherano.

Unirea Urziceni: Arlauskis, Maftei, Galamaz, Bruno Fernandes, Brandan, Paraschiv (Vilana 86), Onofras (Marinescu 75), Paduretu (Rusescu 90), Apostol, Frunza, Bilasco. Subs not used: Tudor, Mehmedovic, Nicu, Bordeanu. Booked: Bruno Fernandes, Brandan.


Source : http://sport.scotsman.com

Golden head Kuyt, won Merseyside derby

Liverpool 1
- Kuyt 55

Everton 0


Striker Dirk Kuyt's 50th Liverpool goal gave his side a 1-0 victory in a fiery 213th Merseyside derby at Anfield which saw both teams reduced to 10 men.

The Dutchman scored for the fourth time in as many games with a close-range header 10 minutes after half-time.

One of the most fieriest derby matches in recent times it was an all out battle for supremacy. Tackles were flying in throughout the match. Steven Pienaar was lucky only to be shown a yellow. But minutes later, Kyrgiakos got sent off for a two-footed lunge on Fellaini, who himself was lucky to get away with a red in the same tackle.

Despite the obvious physical nature of the game, referee Martin Atkinson kept his cards in his pocket until a little over 20 minutes of the game was played, but was forced to show Dirk Kuyt a yellow for a blatant trip on Landon Donovan as the creative American was bursting forward. Following the caution, Leighton Baines let one fly, but goalkeeper Pepe Reina was relatively untroubled as he pushed the ball away for a corner.

Liverpool were content to defend their lead and counter-attack when possible but Reina had to be alert to tip behind Yakubu's shot on the turn.

In the fifth minute of added time Pienaar was sent off for jumping into Gerrard as the hosts hung on to maintain their momentum going into an equally-important match at Arsenal on Wednesday.

Dirk Kuyt for Liverpool was everywhere, from front to back. Got the vital goal in the second half and got back to help the defense. Finally, when the head of Dirk Kuyt gold changed everything was lit up for Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.

Teams :

Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Agger, Insua, Mascherano, Lucas, Kuyt, Gerrard, Maxi, Ngog.

Everton: Howard, Neville, Distin, Heitinga, Baines, Fellaini (Arteta 41), Donovan, Osman, Cahill, Pienaar, Saha

The Reds destroy Bolton 2-0, Benitez & Kuyt brilian

Liverpool 2
- Kuyt 37,
- Davies, K (og) 70

Bolton Wanderers 0

Rafael Benitez's side are now unbeaten in six league games, in which they have conceded just once, and remain on course to deliver the manager's 'guarantee' of Champions League football next season.

Much of the pre-match focus had been on Juventus' interest in making Benitez their next full-time coach.His response to that speculation was to hint that the club's owners needed to match his ambitions in terms of finances for squad-building.

And with captain Steven Gerrard shackled for long periods by the man-marking job of Fabrice Muamba, the side needed inspiration from somewhere but struggled to find a cutting edge without star striker Fernando Torres, who is still several weeks away from fitness

The majority of those at Anfield desperately wanted to see their side swagger through games again and might have thought this would be the day

Liverpool eased to a 2-0 win over Bolton at Anfield to close in on Tottenham in the race for a Champions League berth. Dirk Kuyt brilliantly headed the visitors in front from Fabio Aurelio's cross after 28 minutes. It seemed then that Liverpool would once again crumble, but Kevin Davies's bad luck soon afterwards eventually secured the win and kept the hosts within a point of Tottenham in fourth

Ultimately they did triumph thanks to a close-range first-half strike from Dirk Kuyt following Alberto Aquilani's nod down and then, 20 minutes from time, an own goal from Kevin Davies. The Bolton forward was unlucky to see Emiliano Insúa's speculative drive squirm off his thigh and beyond Jussi Jaaskelainen in the visitors' goal.

Bolton's Gary Cahill had a header ruled out for a foul and Ricardo Gardner missed two good opportunities.

Liverpool had further opportunities to finish with a flourish, but Torres hit the outside of an upright and substitute Lucas headed wide when it seemed easier to score.

Their generosity in front of goal did not prove costly, as Liverpool cruised to a deserved three points.

Teams Lineups :

Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Hyypia, Agger, Aurelio, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt (Leiva Lucas 84), Gerrard, Riera (Benayoun 89), Keane (Torres 59).

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Andrew O'Brien, Samuel, Taylor (Smolarek 84), Nolan, Muamba (Gardner 46), McCann, Elmander, Davies.

One point for Liverpool to the Big Five

Tuesday 26 January 2010 22.11 GMT The Reds had the chance to return to the top four for the first time since September providing results went their way ahead of their clash against relegation-battling Wanderers on Tuesday night.

Liverpool didn't add to their total of seven league defeats this season. But it felt like another loss. This was as dispiriting and disjointed for their supporters as any of those reverses. Instead it's a team in reverse.

Liverpool crept into the top five positions, with the series The Red is now in the fifth ladder with 38 points

"It was positive for us that he was available, you can see that he has to improve his match fitness but it's a question of time," the Spaniard said.

Not the same intensity as shown against Tottenham last week. Threatened with a couple of solo efforts, but was left frustrated by Liverpool's lack of quality," Kuyt said

Final results Liverpool stumbled again in its attempt to move back into the top four in England's Premier League, playing a 0-0 tie at Wolverhampton

Team Line-up:

Wolves: Hahnemann; Berra, Craddock, Ward, Zubar, Mancienne, Henry, Milijas (Jones 73 '), Foley, Jarvis (Guedioura 89'), Doyle

Liverpool: Reina; Kyrgiakos, Skretel, Insua, Carragher, Mascherano, Lucas, Gerrard, Riera (Ngog 66 '), Maxi, Kuyt

Liverpool climbed up to sixth in the Barclays Premier League

Liverpool 2
- Dirk Kuyt (6)
- Dirk Kuyt (pen 90)

Hotspur 0
The importance of the match to Liverpool's top-four aspirations had been outlined by Benitez yesterday and his players responded in fine style.

It was a match the Reds could not afford to lose, having dropped two points thanks to Stoke's late equaliser on Saturday, and they did not disappoint an appreciative Anfield crowd.

The game started at a decent pace, with both sides forcing saves before Dirk Kuyt opened the scoring in the 7th minute to give Liverpool the lead.

Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina was forced into a decent save after some confusion in the Liverpool defence, but the Spanish keeper was quick to play the ball downfield to Kuyt midway into the Spurs half.

Dirk Kuyt's double strike injected new life into Liverpool's stuttering Barclays Premier League campaign as it secured a 2-0 victory over Tottenham.

The Holland international fired home in the sixth minute from the edge of the area and then converted a twice-taken penalty in second-half injury time.

Victory lifted the Reds to within one point of fourth-placed Spurs and eased the pressure on manager Rafael Benitez after early exits from the Champions League and FA Cup.

Teams Line Up:

Liverpool:
Pepe Reina, Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Emiliano Insua, Philippe Degen (Darby 90), Javier Mascherano, Lucas Leiva, Albert Riera (Maxi '81), Alberto Aquilani (Ngog '79), Dirk Kuyt

Hotspur:
Heurelho Gomes, Vedran Corluka (Hutton '61), Michael Dawson, Ledley King (Bassong '81), Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Jermaine Jenas, Wilson Palacios, Niko Kranjcar (Keane '65), Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe

Stoke City 1-1 Liverpool : You're getting sacked in the morning

Stoke City 1
- Huth 90

Liverpool 1
- Kyrgiakos 57
Rafael Benitez was denied a victory to lift the intense pressure on him when Stoke grabbed a last-ditch equaliser at the Britannia Stadium.

It was never pretty, but this much-derided Liverpool outfit stood up to be counted in a physical showdown.

The theory that it could only improve proved correct in the 57th minute, when Fabio Aurelio's free-kick from the right was spilled by Sorensen and Kyrgiakos bundled the ball over the line from three yards.

Suddenly the mood changed. From having the home fans taunt him with choruses of "You're getting sacked in the morning", Benítez heard his name chanted by the travelling loyalists.

Stoke were plucky but prosaic – as one might expect from a team for whom no player has scored more than three league goals all season – and it speaks volumes for Liverpool's decline that they could not see them off. Last year's runners-up would have been out of sight by half-time.

The first surprise came early, with the announcement of the Liverpool team. There had to be sympathy for Benítez over the absence of Torres, Gerrard and Benayoun, who between them have contributed more than two-thirds of Liverpool's goals this season, but there was only head-scratching over the selection of Philipp Degen ahead of Alberto Aquilani in midfield. Degen, who regards himself principally as a defender, has been such a flop since his arrival from Dortmund 18 months ago that he had previously made only one start in the Premier League, at Fulham, where he was sent off.

Jose Reina, Kyrgiakos, Martin Skrtel, Javier Mascherano, Fabio Aurelio and David Ngog all returned in a side that was dreadfully short of fire-power.

Stoke had Tuncay available after a hamstring scare while Salif Diao came in against his old club, with Liam Lawrence reverting to the bench.

Teams

Stoke City: Thomas Sorensen, Abdoulaye Faye (Andy Wilkinson 26), Ryan Shawcross, Danny Higginbotham, Robert Huth, Salif Diao, Dean Whitehead, Matthew Etherington, Rory Delap (Liam Lawrence 24), Tuncay Sanli, Mamady Sidibe (Ricardo Fuller 66) .

Liverpool: Jose Reina, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Martin Skrtel, Emiliano Insua, Jamie Carragher, Lucas Leiva, Javier Mascherano, Fabio Aurelio, Philipp Degen (Maxi Rodriguez 78), David N'Gog (Alberto Aquilani 88), Dirk Kuyt.