BARCELONA 1 LIVERPOOL 2

Scorers: Bellamy 43min, John Arne Riise 74min

Team of the day..
Reina, Riise, Agger, Carragher, Arbeloa, Bellamy, Alonso, Gerrard MBE (c), Sissoko, Finnan, Kuyt.
Subs - Crouch, Dudek, Gonzalez, Hyypia, Mascherano, Pennant, Zenden

Match Highlights..


Louis' Comments..
A match all Liverpool fans will remember and be proud of. It's an great achievement to be able to win away against the mighty Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

The match was predicted to be a great game and it didn't failed to be. I was fully concentrated on the game even 4am in the morning. A surprising line-up which gave Alvaro Arbeloa was given his full debut, while Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt was up front instead of the expected Peter Crouch.

We had a good start however, somehow, Barcelona seems to have settled down earlier and they were controlling the game. They managed to score a goal through a Deco's header in the early 14th minute and to be frank, I was starting to worry. We should have keep the ball tight and make sure that Barca won't be able to score. Still, we were 1-0 down in the 14th minute.

Barcelona grew confidence and started spraying balls across the fields. They almost added another to the tally but Pepe Reina was there to block Deco's shot. I was hoping the Liverpool defence were able to hold on.

As the half time approaches, Craig Bellamy was there to score an vital away goal with a header. At the first moment, I thought the goalkeeper had saved it. But, on the second look, the ball went in and I was smiling. The away goal was so important and I knew, we stood a chance of winning.

In the second half, I thought we played really well. We were stable and Barcelona players just can't do much to break down Liverpool's defence. They had possession, lots of them but couldn't have the chance to have a go at Reina's net.

We had a indirect freekick in the penalty box and Gerrard didn't have the cleanest of shots but Valdes had to save with his legs. The rebounded ball was cross beautifully by Alonso but so unfortunately, Dirk Kuyt couldn't convert his best chance of the game. He should have head it in. He was too wasteful during the match, I was afraid that these missed chances would cost us dearly. Yes, Dirk worked his socks off for the team, however, being a striker, he has to be more clinical in his finish. We don't get much chances against the likes of Barcelona.



Fortunately, Riise was there to give us our winning goal. A great ball from Craig Bellamy and Riise scored the goal with his RIGHT foot. It seems to me that Riise scores with his RIGHT foot for the first time. A excellent finish and we were 2-1 up. I was already off my seat.

Leading 2-1 up with 16 minutes to go was unbelievable. I didn't expect us to score 2 goals, let alone win the game. We managed to hang on despite Deco's freework was against the woodwork. The team worked very hard and I believe it's a great result to bring back to Anfield.


Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise. The 2 players who were in the headlines of the past week for the wrong reasons, proved their worth and showed the world that they still can work together. Both players played well and their goals were very important for us. Craig worked hard and the Barca defence had a hard time tracking his runs all night. John Arne Riise always seems to score crucial goals and this time, it's something special with his RIGHT foot.




Momo Sissoko was my Match of the Match. He's an essential player and he played an important role in last night's win. His hard tackling and presence gave the Barcelona players no time and his interceptions in the midfield was just awesome. He worked real hard for the team and although, he may not be the most skilled player in the team, I believe this young lad has lots to offer for the club and his performance was one of the best against the elites.

Rafa Benitez. Our gaffer had done a great job. His tactics were spot-on and knew Barcelona inside out. Without any doubt, he's one of the best managers in the world and he proved that last night. Barcelona was neutralised by our tactics. Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, Saviola, Xavi were not given much space and that's probably the key to our win.

Of course, it's just only half-time. There's one more match to go. The advantage is with us and we have to make sure we get hold on this. Barcelona, without a doubt, is one the best teams around, however, I believe we can hold them and make sure they can't do much at Anfield. Having faced them once before, the players should be able to know what they are playing for and they themselves know this is a great opportunity to knock the champions out.

It's not the best performance by Liverpool, still, it's the best result.

You'll Never Walk Alone..