標題: Gerrard Class Inspires Reds [打印本頁] 作者: cchl8 時間: 2008-9-17 02:24 PM 標題: Gerrard Class Inspires Reds
Steven Gerrard ensured Liverpool got their Champions League campaign off to the best possible start with both goals in a 2-1 win at Marseille.
Liverpool are also paired with PSV and Atletico Madrid in Group D so Rafa Benitez will be delighted to have seen them open up with a victory at the Stade Velodrome.
Marseille actually took the lead through a fine goal from Lorik Cana in the 23rd minute but Gerrard curled home a sensational equaliser three minutes later before putting the Reds ahead from the penalty spot just after the half-hour mark.
And the Premier League side were unfortunate not to add a third in the second half, Ryan Babel particularly unlucky, as they dominated proceedings in France.
They had been on top from the outset and Babel really should have put them ahead in the 15th minute when he brilliantly turned his marker on the edge of the box only to fire widly over when well placed.
It was the hosts who went ahead eight minutes later, though, when Benoit Cheyrou's brilliant ball over the Liverpool defence allowing Cana, played onside by Jamie Carragher, the chance to calmly stroke past Pepe Reina from inside the area.
The visitors were level just three minutes later, though, when Gerrard brilliantly sent a first-time curling effort into the top corner from 25 yards following Dirk Kuyt's ball.
And they were ahead in the 32nd minute when Babel was brought down in the box and Gerrard stepped up to twice fire home, with his first effort ruled out for encroaching. That took his tally in Europe to a club-record 25 and also put him on 99 Reds goals ahead of Saturday's clash with Stoke.
Liverpool were rarely troubled from there and, although Reina had to keep out a Vitorino Hilton header, it was at the other end where most of the clear chances came.
Babel operated as a lone striker for the last 22 minutes after both Torres and Gerrard were withdrawn and the Dutchman twice went close to extending the lead. Steve Mandanda pulled off a terrific one-handed save to deny him from six yards on 76 and then saw a good effort from the same player strike the outside of his post two minutes later.
Taye Tiawo forced Reina into one decent save in between the two efforts but there best effort did not come into the final few seconds when Niang forced Reina into a save with his feet after being afforded space in the box.
Liverpool held on, though, for an impressive opening result
