Kuyt Brought Reds Into Champions League

Liverpool 1 Standard Liege 0
Kuyt 118
AR Man of the Match: Kuyt

The first leg of the Champions League qualifier was a huge scare for Liverpool fans as they almost lost to the Belgium Champions 2 weeks ago. Without Pepe Reina's heroics at the goal, it would be difficult for Rafa's men.

A 0-0 scoreline means that Liverpool has to win no matter what to qualify into Champions League and for the past few games, the Reds were playing badly but yet winning. Rafa sticks to its first 11 with just a change of Andrea Dossena to Fabio Aurelio at left back.

Highlights

Source=KopTv

Standard Liege threatened the goal early on and Pepe Reina was called for duty once again, with some terrific saves. If the visitors had scored, Liverpool got to score 2 goals to win the tie. The understanding of Torres and Keane is improving and they are troubling defences with their runs and flicks ons. The lacking thing is only an assist to a goal.

As the game went on, the Liverpool fans were getting worried. Till the 80th minute, it was still goalless. A away goal conceded would means a shock exit of the Champions League, which Liverpool is belonged to. The game went on to extra time as the away side was defending deep and stood strong against the Liverpool attacks.

Tired legs were out there as time is more than 90 minutes. With 4 more minutes to go, substitute Ryan Babel, scored a deep ball from the left and was converted into the goal by fellow countryman Dirk Kuyt! It's the best time to score as the match was about to go into penalties. Kuyt celebrated in front of the Anfield faithfuls and everyone wearing a red shirt wasrelieved.

A solitary goal is sufficient. We are into the Champions League. Once again, performance was below-par. We are not creating much chances and set pieces are just crossing to defender's head. A struggled win and this time, Dirk Kuyt provided that.

You'll Never Walk Alone..

A Lucky Draw For Reds

Standard Liege 0 Liverpool 0

AR Man of the Match: Pepe Reina

First leg of the Champions League qualifier sees Rafa Benitez's men against the Belgium Champions Standard Liege. The much anticipation and excitement to see "best squad I've have" claimed by the boss, was this first competitive match. Hot signing, Robbie Keane was upfront with Fernando Torres and new entrant Andrea Dossena was playing at left-back. Daniel Agger made his return to the line-up after a year of serious injuries troubles.

Unfortunately, Liverpool didn't rise to the occasion, once again. Passing was poor, losing out first and second balls. In the early moments of the game, the home side Standard Liege went on top and came close on two occasions at Pepe Reina's goal. Fortunately, the Eurpoean Champions goalkeeper was alert and made 2 wonderful saves to keep Reds level.

Penalty Save


Liverpool conceded a controversial penalty, Referee claimed Dossena handled the ball in the penalty box, but instant replays showed that it was outside the area. Somehow, justice was being done. Pepe Reina pulled a top draw save again at the spot and Standard Liege's coach was furious on their side's inability to score.

Liverpool managed to hang on till the end despite the terrible performance by the team. Couldn't find a way past the defence and I don't remember them forcing a save from the goalkeeper. Steven Gerrard came in but failed to make any impacts.

Rafa Benitez got to think hard on how to make this Liverpool team clicks. Over the years, they have always been starting the season poorly and began to play better at the end. Title challenge will not allow you to have such inconsistent and slow form. We have to be quick in improving and producing results, otherwise, Liverpool fans, it will be the same old Liverpool every season again.

You'll Never Walk Alone..