Liverpool have been drawn in Champions League Group D alongside PSV, Marseille and Fernando Torres' former club Atletico Madrid.

The draw will take El Nino back to the Vicente Calderon for the first time since his record transfer last summer.

Atletico, whose squad includes former Reds Luis Garcia and Florent Sinama-Pongolle, finished fourth in La Liga last term.

Marseille, meanwhile, were the third best team in France during 2007-08.

They twice faced the Reds in last season's group stages, winning 1-0 at Anfield before missing out on a place in the second round following a 4-0 home defeat.

Ex Red Bolo Zenden still plays at the Stade Velodrome.

Dutch champions PSV make up Group D, a side Liverpool faced four times en route to Athens in 2006-07, with Gerrard and co recording three wins and a draw.


Group A
CHELSEA
ROMA
BORDEAUX
CFR CLUJ

Group B
INTER MILAN
WERDER BREMEN
PANATHINAKOS
ANOTHOSIS FAMAGUSTA

Group C
BARCELONA
SPORTING LISBON
BASEL
SHAKHTAR DONESTSK

Group D
LIVERPOOL
PSV
MARSEILLE
ATLETICO MADRID

Group E
MAN UTD
VILLARREAL
CELTIC
AALBORG

Group F
LYON
BAYERN MUNICH
STEAUA BUCHAREST
FIORENTINA

Group G
ARSENAL
PORTO
FENERBACHE
DYNAMO KIEV

Group H
REAL MADRID
JUVENTUS
ZENIT ST PETERSBURG
BATE BORSOV

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11:25 AM
Categories: European Champions League 2008/2009 draw Group D, UCL. Author: nik

The Reds will travel to the south of France to take on Marseille at the Stade Velodrome on September 16 - the scene of their 4-0 victory last December when they sealed their place in the last sixteen of the competition.

That fixture is followed by a home game with PSV Eindhoven before a double header with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.

Liverpool will kick-off their Champions League Group D campaign at the scene of one of their most impressive European performances of recent years.

An Anfield clash with Marseille follows with the group campaign ending with a trip to Holland to face PSV.

Liverpool's Group D fixtures are as follows:

September 16 v Marseille (a)
October 1 v PSV Eindhoven (h)
October 22 v Atletico Madrid (a)
November 4 v Atletico Madrid (h)
November 26 v Marseille (h)
December 9 v PSV Eindhoven (a)



Five-time champion Liverpool, which needed a 118th-minute goal Wednesday to qualify, was drawn into a group with PSV Eindhoven, Atletico Madrid and Olympique Marseille. That means Liverpool's star striker Fernando Torres, who scored the winner for Spain against Germany in June's European Championship final, gets a chance to face his former team.

"With Fernando and the other Spanish players, there will be huge, huge interest in that one," Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry said. "It's great. That's what makes the Champions League so exciting. It's fantastic."

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11:16 AM
Categories: European Champions League 2008/2009 draw Group D, UCL. Author: nik

Liverpool left it late - very late - to secure their place in Thursday's Champions League draw and you can now enjoy Dirk Kuyt's 117th minute strike against Standard Liege online.

With the clock ticking towards a nerve-shredding penalty shoot-out Ryan Babel's cross from the left finally unlocked a well organised Belgian defence and Kuyt celebrated his 100th game for the club with the most important goal he's ever scored.

Meanwhile benitez hails amazing Kuyt ..

Rafael Benitez hailed the 'amazing' energy of Dirk Kuyt after the forward marked his 100th game for the Reds with the winner against Standard Liege.

The Dutchman was on hand to fire home Ryan Babel's deep cross with just two min
utes of extra-time remaining to secure a 1-0 win and book Liverpool's place in the lucrative Group Stage of the Champions League.

It was a strike that ended the Belgian champions' brave resistance and the Reds boss admitted he was relieved that his side's efforts were eventually rewarded.

"I was really pleased because Kuyt scored the winning goal," said Rafa.

"His effort is amazing every game. I'm also really pleased because Nabil played well again.

"We knew it could be difficult. From the first minute they played well and we knew they would play well on the counter attack so we had to work really hard until the end.

"For me the most positive thing is that we played a little bit better against a good team who are sharp and we scored at the end. That means that the team are working really hard."

Benitez felt the overriding factor behind his side's late winner was their ability in the wide areas and was pleased that they kept going, despite suffering an evening full of frustration.

"The goal came from a good cross from Ryan Babel and Nabil also played well," he said. "You play with wingers because it gives you space for penetrating passes.

"It's important to have balance in defence but also in attack so that you have pace and quality in the wide areas, with Torres and Keane in the middle.

"We had confidence and we kept pushing. We knew from the first game they are really good and today they also played well. They were always a threat because you know you can concede from a free-kick or a corner but we were going forward well and controlling the game but we were missing the final pass to make the difference."

In an end to end first-half the Reds were twice grateful to Pepe Reina for producing two fantastic saves and while Benitez was delighted with his stopper's display he refused to heap too much praise on individual performances.

"Pepe was the key player in the first game but today it is not about just one player, it is about all of them," he said.

"You could see how hard they were working against a good team. When you play this kind of game you know the other team is training and playing thinking about just this game.

"We had the international break the other day and a lot of players weren't ready, so it was important to make sure we got through and we can now start work again with the group."

Benitez and co can now look forward to tomorrow's group stage draw safe in the knowledge they have once again boosted both the Anfield coffers and their chances of more silverware come May.

"To have the possibility to play for trophies is amazing and really important and also in terms of money," he added.

"We know it is important. If you play at this level you will have more chances of winning trophies and money."

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10:05 AM
Categories: Dirk Kuyt, ECL, Rafa Benitez, Standard Liege. Author: nik

Steven Gerrard has urged his teammates not to blow the chance to play in a fairytale final in Rome next May
Liverpool tonight bid to qualify for a Champions League which reaches its finale in the stadium where Emlyn Hughes lifted our first European Cup back in 1977.

After a goalless draw in Liege two weeks ago, Gerrard isn't taking entry into the group stages for granted - but the skipper hopes the prospect of a dream final in nine months' time will inspire the Reds into the competition proper and beyond.

"We want to go one further than last year and we're confident we can do it," Gerrard told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"They were the better team on the night two weeks ago and you have to give them credit. It was a massive wake-up call that they can't be underestimated. They have some big, physical boys who can also play a bit.

"We need to make sure we improve from Saturday and see that we're on it – if not, we'll come unstuck.

"It's a massive game and we need to play very well. But we know we're at home and we're at a better level than two weeks ago, so we're very confident we'll win the game.

"The squad's even stronger this year and we know how good we can be in Europe over two legs. To go to Rome and get to another final would be an unbelievable achievement but that's the target we've set for ourselves."

Defeat or a score draw tonight would see Liverpool fail to qualify for the Champions League for the first time under Rafa Benitez.

Despite his confidence, Gerrard knows the pressure is on.

"An away goal would throw a spanner in the works so we have to defend properly," he added. "But we're capable of keeping clean sheets and we know we have match winners in the team.

"There certainly is respect for the opposition. We can't afford to start slowly and go a goal down – that would be a disaster.

"There is a bit of pressure but we have to play our own game. A first goal will help us settle but, you know, on paper we should win this game.

"It's easy to say that, though; now we've got to go out there and do it on the pitch."

Gerrard admits Liverpool have yet to leave "second gear" this season, but with six Barclays Premier League points already on the board, the 28-year-old is concentrating on the positives.

He explained: "It looked like we were going to lose points at home but now it's very nice to see six points on the board already. But we're not happy with how we're playing at the minute – we need to raise it a bit.

"When we were losing 1-0 we'd have taken a point because Middlesbrough were defending well and we weren't playing well at all. If you look at our games last season, that's where we came unstuck – drawing and losing at home.

"To win the league you need to win when you're playing badly and that's what happened on Saturday.

"The pleasing thing at the moment is that we've won two out of two and yet we're still in second gear. We know we can step it up."

The remarkable comeback against Middlesbrough was secured thanks to an injury-time hit from Gerrard five minutes after Jamie Carragher equalised with a deflected strike which some credited as an Emanuel Pogatetz own goal.

Ever a good friend, the club captain is adamant the leveller should go down as Carra's fifth career goal.

He said: "You've got to give him it. If he hadn't had a shot from there then we wouldn't have got the goal. He deserves the credit and deserves the goal."

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4:55 PM
Categories: Champions League, steven gerard. Author: nik

Jamie Carragher has warned Liverpool cannot take anything for granted when they face Standard Liege in a must-win Champions League qualifier at Anfield on Wednesday.

With the tie in the balance after a goalless first leg in Belgium, the vice-captain knows our Champions League qualification is far from a formality. "They are definitely the toughest opponents we've had in a qualifier," said Carragher. "I know people expect us to get through, but it's not as if we're playing a Mickey Mouse team. "The Belgian league has a lot of quality and their champions are used to getting into the group stages. "We had a tough match against Anderlecht a few years ago so I'm not surprised Liege caused us problems. "They caught us a bit cold in the first leg. Their manager said we were sleeping but they deserve credit for the way they played. "They were spot on tactically, hitting us on the counter-attack and trying to make us play like a home side. You have to remember they'd gone something like 30 games unbeaten in their own league – and they are a club with European pedigree. "We didn't play well and we know we'll have to improve at Anfield. Everyone knows how important it is for our season to get into the group stage." Carragher added: "It's always a funny time for us to have such a massive game before we've got going in the season. Some of our results have reflected that. "We lost at home to AK Graz in the year we won the competition and had a narrow win in the last minute against Maccabi Haifa two years ago, so anyone thinking we'll win comfortably knows that's very dangerous. "You have to bear in mind this is probably the biggest game of the season already, and in some cases it may be the most important match they've ever had in their career. "That makes them very tough opponents so we will have to be on our guard. Any side which can keep Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane as quiet as they did in the first leg has quality. We didn't have any chances in the game. "It would be unthinkable for us not to be in the Champions League. You just want to get this qualifier out the way, put Europe on the back-burner for a while and get focused for a couple of months on doing well in the league. "As players we expect to be there and so do the fans. We know in this situation all the pressure is on us, but we don't want to get negative about that. "All the hard work finishing in the top four last season was geared towards reaching the group stages, so there's no way we want to let that slip. "If we go through it gives us a bit of momentum and confidence and gives us those six group games to look forward setting up our season."

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2:19 PM
Categories: Champions League, Jamie Carragher, Standard Liege. Author: nik

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard fired a stunning stoppage-time winner to floor Middlesbrough 2-1 after they threatened an Anfield shock.

Empics
Steven Gerrard slides in on Tuncay Sanli
England head coach Fabio Capello suggested in midweek that Gerrard is not fully fit, but he was still going strong late in the game against Boro as Liverpool came from behind to claim three points.

• Benitez lauds skipper Gerrard
Boro had not won in the league at Anfield since 1976 and when Mido came off the bench to put them ahead with 20 minutes left, that record looked likely to be consigned to history.

But Jamie Carragher saw a 20-yard cross-shot deflect home off Emanuel Pogatetz for an own goal with five minutes of regulation time remaining and then Gerrard rifled home a 20-yard winner deep into injury-time.

Liverpool replaced the injured Sami Hyypia with Martin Skrtel in defence for the match, while Gerrard shrugged off worries over a groin problem to start in a match which saw Robbie Keane and Andrea Dossena make their home league debuts.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate initially named the side which beat Tottenham last week, with new signing Justin Hoyte on the bench.

But a pre-match injury to goalkeeper Brad Jones meant Ross Turnbull was thrust into action at the last moment.

He was put under immediate pressure by Liverpool. After three minutes Fernando Torres surged towards the penalty area and fed Dirk Kuyt, whose fierce drive was turned aside at full stretch by Turnbull.

Then Dossena fired over a swirling cross-shot which Turnbull pushed behind.

Torres saw a flicked header go wide, before there was a lengthy delay when Dossena and Jeremie Aliadiere clashed heads, both leaving the field.

Boro's French forward returned with his head heavily bandaged, while Dossena needed a stitch before being allowed back into the fray.

It then took a fine flying save from Jose Reina to touch over an 18-yard shot from from Boro's Andrew Taylor.

Tuncay and Afonso Alves gave Liverpool central defenders Carragher and Skrtel plenty to think about before Gerrard almost scored at the other end when his dipping drive flashed just over, following neat build-up play between Torres and Kuyt.

Middlesbrough's England winger Stewart Downing, a possible target for Liverpool, cut inside two defenders from the left before sending a shot just wide of the far post.

The pace barely dropped and only fine defending by David Wheater twice stopped Torres in the box, the second time after the Spaniard had been put clear by Kuyt.

Torres should then have given Liverpool a half-time lead, but his shot was deflected wide by Emanuel Pogatetz.

Boro sent out Turnbull for a half-time warm-up in front of the Kop, the goal the visitors were due to defend in the second period.

But despite having the majority of possession, Liverpool were not making clear chances.

All the effort in the world was there from Keane and Kuyt, but Boro's defence was standing firm.

Liverpool's set-plays were weak and ineffective, and corners in particular were repeatedly wasted.

Boro sent on Mido for Alves on the hour mark, the Teesside club clearly believing they could get something out of the game.

And they almost took the lead after 62 minutes when Mido crossed from the left and Tuncay produced a clever turn and flick before forcing Reina into a sharp save.

Liverpool sent on Ryan Babel, fresh from his Olympic campaign with Holland, in place of Yossi Benayoun after 65 minutes.

Torres immediately went close with a 25-yard strike, but it was Boro who grabbed the lead after 70 minutes.

Xabi Alonso conceded possession and the ball was switched from Aliadiere to Mido, some 30 yards out. His fierce, low drive beat Reina and found the bottom right corner.

Liverpool replaced Dossena with Fabio Aurelio, with Boro sending on Hoyte for Taylor.

Keane was booked for dissent after Liverpool were denied a penalty when Gerrard's fierce drive was deflected wide, seemingly off a Middlesbrough player's arm.

Then Mido found his way into referee Mike Riley's book for time-wasting.

Liverpool sent on Nabil El Zhar for Arbeloa with seven minutes left and they finally managed to pile on the pressure.

They drew level when Carragher made the most of Riley playing an advantage after a shot from Alonso hit Gary O'Neil's arm.

Amid loud appeals for a spot-kick, Carragher unleashed a shot which looked to be going off target but deflected past the unlucky Turnbull off Pogatetz.

Turnbull made a fine save from a Gerrard free-kick in injury-time. But in the fourth minute of added time, Liverpool's talisman smashed home the winner, driving the ball into the right corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area after Wheater's poor defensive header.

Benitez lauds skipper Gerrard
Rafael Benitez hailed the winning mentality of his skipper Steven Gerrard after Liverpool stole the points with two late goals against Middlesbrough.
Boro took the lead in the 70th minute with a Mido strike before Jamie Carragher's drive was deflected home by Emanuel Pogatetz with five minutes of normal time left.

Liverpool looked relieved to have saved a point, but Gerrard crashed home the winner four minutes into added time.

Benitez said: 'I was very pleased with the first 15 minutes or so, we created a lot of chances and could have scored a couple.

'But after that we did not play well, and we allowed them to control our attacks. They did not create too much themselves, but it was not a good performance from our team.

'Then in the second-half they scored a good goal and we had to throw people forward to get ourselves back in the game.

'I am sure that Jamie Carragher will be claiming that goal, despite the deflection, but afterwards he was only really concerned that we had got ourselves level.

'But it was Gerrard who showed the winning mentality, he has done that so many times from a similar position. Many other players would have put it high over the bar, but you know Gerrard will hit the target.

'Last season we drew far too many games at Anfield, but this time we have sent out a message that in such situations we can win the game. We have winners here.'

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate admitted his side were bitterly disappointed to have lost the game.

He said: 'That was hard to take. The players are heartbroken in the dressing room.

'We deserved more, we certainly deserved a point. We produced a disciplined performance and the two matches we have played so far have given me plenty of confidence.

'We beat Spurs last weekend and now we have very nearly beaten a side who can win the title.

'Their equaliser was a freak, and we should have been able to see out the game even at 1-1.

'But I have told them that they can leave Anfield with their heads high.'

Southgate revealed that goalkeeper Brad Jones dislocated a finger in the warm-up.

He said: 'It was just one of those things, but Ross Turnbull came in and did very well, he can be pleased with his performance.'

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10:08 AM
Categories: Middlesbrough, steven gerard. Author: nik

Rafa Benitez has revealed that one of our Barclays Premier League rivals has made an approach regarding defender Sami Hyypia – only to be quickly rebuffed.

The boss claims top flight new boys Stoke City wanted to sign the legendary Finn.

"Yes, Stoke City were very interested in Sami," said Benitez. "But we said we wanted him to stay and we want to keep him so it was very clear.

"He has signed a new one-year deal and we are very happy with him.

"If I was to talk about Sami Hyypia I could be talking for half an hour because he is a fantastic professional, a nice person and a really good player, so we don't want to sell him."

Sami Hyypia will miss the first home game of the season this weekend with a hamstring injury.

The centre-back is Rafa Benitez's only fitness worry for the visit of Middlesbrough on Saturday, with the likes of Martin Skrtel and Philipp Degen now back in contention after injury.

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12:10 PM
Categories: Sammy Hayppia. Author: nik

Xabi Alonso netted twice as European champions Spain beat Daniel Agger's Denmark 3-0 on Wednesday night.
The midfielder volleyed home five minutes after coming on at half-time following an assist from Fernando Torres.

Torres then made way, while Pepe Reina entered the fray on 76 minutes before Alonso added his second as the final whistle loomed.

Meanwhile, Robbie Keane bagged his 34th international goal as the Republic of Ireland drew 1-1 with Norway. The game also saw Steve Finnan make his international return.

At Wembley, Steven Gerrard played 58 minutes as England drew 2-2 with Czech Republic in a final friendly before kicking off their World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign.

Elsewhere, Andrea Dossena won his second international cap when he came on at half-time during Italy's 2-2 draw with Austria.

Sami Hyypia and Yossi Benayoun both started in Finland as Israel were beaten 2-0.

Over in Ukraine, Andriy Voronin hit the bar during a first-half outing as Poland were dispatched 1-0.

The evening ended miserably for Martin Skrtel as Slovakia were beaten 2-0 at home to Greece, the Liverpool man playing 90 minutes.

And Dirk Kuyt came on for the last half an hour of Holland's 1-1 draw with Russia.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will have two of his three Olympic stars back in the squad for Saturday's game with Middlesbrough.

Ryan Babel's Holland were beaten in the quarter-finals by Argentina at the weekend, which puts Javier Mascherano in with a shout of a second successive gold medal.

Argentina now face Brazil in the semi-finals tomorrow where Mascherano will clash with club-mate Lucas.

Benitez said: 'It has been good for the three players to be involved in the Olympics and we are proud of them.

'But it is also good for Liverpool that Argentina and Brazil clash in the last four, because only one of our lads will be in the final.'

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5:11 PM
Categories: Robbie Keane, Xabi. Author: nik

Liverpool midfielders Javier Mascherano and Lucas will go head to head in a mouthwatering semi-final of the Olympics football competition at 2pm UK time today.

Mascherano helped Argentina to an extra time victory over Holland, while Lucas and Brazil overcame Cameroon 2-0 in their quarter-final.

With both players proving instrumental in their respective countries' march to the final four, this afternoon's battle in the middle of the field could well go a long way to determining which of the two nations will book their place in this weekend's final.

Stay tuned for full reaction to today's game on Liverpoolfc.tv later today.

If you were to select an ideal group of semifinalists, you'd probably want a healthy dose of the tournament's big guns along with an overachieving team that has played the role of ultimate party crasher.

On that basis, the four teams that have reached the semifinals of the men's Olympic soccer tournament are as absorbing a quartet as you'll find. In Argentina and Brazil, you have two teams who were on everyone's list of favorites. Nigeria was also tipped as a team to watch prior to the competition's start. Then there is Belgium, which ignored its curfew and has decided to stick around a while longer.

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2:34 PM
Categories: Beijing 2008, Javier Mascherano, lucas leiva, Olympic. Author: nik

A dramatic strike from Fernando Torres has given Liverpool a 1-0 victory over Sunderland on the opening day of the Barclays Premier League season.

The Spanish striker hit a 25-yard scorcher on 83 minutes following a much-improved second-half performance from Liverpool.

Victory comes as a welcome tonic for Benitez - who today responded to newspaper speculation by talking of his contentment on Merseyside - following Wednesday's disappointing display in the Champions League qualifier.

The Anfield boss made two changes from Liege, recalling Steven Gerrard and Sami Hyypia for Xabi Alonso and Daniel Agger - the latter pair having to settle for a place on the Premier League's new seven-man bench.

Sunderland, meanwhile, were without injured striker Kenwyn Jones, though Roy Keane was able to call on summer signings Steed Malbranque, Pascal Chimbonda and El-Hadji Diouf.

Like his new boss, Diouf is always up for a bit of needle, and a pre-match claim that his former teammates would be scared of his 'magic' surely raised the odd eyebrow in the away dressing room.

His boast might have been dubious, but the visiting backline did indeed look nervous in the opening exchanges, not least when a Hyypia backpass almost gave Diouf a free run on goal. Jamie Carragher had to be at his very best to save the day.

Another scare arrived on 13 minutes and, yes, Diouf was again in the thick of it, this time sending a perfect cross towards Daryl Murphy, who probably won't SkyPlus the season's first Match of the Day following a tame header into the arms of Pepe Reina.

Liverpool had still to threaten by the time Diouf sent a curling effort narrowly over on 26 minutes. In fact, it took more than half an hour for the visitors to record a first shot of the campaign, Gerrard dragging wide from distance.

The skipper, and therefore Liverpool, began to exert more control on proceedings as the half wore on, while teammate Robbie Keane almost broke the deadlock with a superb turn and shot on 40 minutes.

Not that Benitez would have been appeased as Alan Wiley signalled half-time. The Spaniard introduced Alonso for the second half, a decision which gained universal approval among the travelling fans who sang his name throughout the first.

If Alonso's presence ensured Liverpool's passing improved, it was Gerrard who probed whenever the ball entered Sunderland territory.

The number eight shot wide on 51 minutes after a one-two with Yossi Benayoun - who seconds later tested Craig Gordon from close range.

Whatever Benitez said at half-time, it seemed to be doing the trick, though a let off in the form of a scuffed shot from Diouf showed Sunderland still had life in them yet.

A gilt-edged chance arrived on 72 minutes when a Dirk Kuyt effort was spilled by Gordon, with Keane and Torres getting in one another's way as they pounced on the rebound.

Keane was withdrawn shortly after, with Kuyt moving into a central position and Nabil El Zhar entering the fray on the right.

Liverpool were throwing everything at their hosts - even a 60-yard effort from Alonso which, with Gordon in limbo, was only just off target.

Never mind, for the breakthrough, late and dramatic, was just minutes away, and the sweet feet of Alonso again played their part with a searching pass to Torres, who turned before beating Gordon with a 25-yard shot.

The travelling Kop bounced and bounced until the final whistle arrived seven minutes later, and for the second successive season their men have kicked off the campaign with a win.

Watch highlights of our opening day win from 12am BST on Sunday.

Teams

Liverpool: Reina, Dossena, Hyypia, Carragher, Arbeloa, Benayoun, Gerrard (captain), Plessis, Kuyt, Torres, Keane. Subs - Alonso, Aurelio, El Zhar, Ngog, Cavalieri, Agger, Skrtel

Sunderland: Gordon, Bardsley, Collins, Nosworthy (captain), Chimbonda, Richardson, Tainio, Reid, Malbranque, Murphy, Diouf. Subs - Whitehead, Ward, Leadbitter, Higginbotham, Chopra, Edwards, Stokes

Referee: Alan Wiley

Conditions: Breezy

Attendance: 43,259

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Xabi Alonso

Breakdown

16:32 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : The first game of the season is underway
4 mins : Hyypia's header is weak and Diouf has a chance which he can't make anything of. Bit of a let off though
6 mins : Diouf gets a cross in from the right but it's tame and Reina gathers
9 mins : Gerrard delivers a cross which is well defended and then loses control when he receives possession again
10 mins : Richardson charges through midfield but fails to test Reina with his long range shot
12 mins : First save of the game is made by Reina from Murphy who has space inside the box to direct a header goalwards
17 mins : Gerrard does well to track back and win the ball after Sunderland threaten to hit us on the break
24 mins : Sunderland asking most of the questions at the moment. We've offered little going forward
25 mins : Good corner kick delivery from Gerrard but Chimbonda heads clear
28 mins : Kuyt and Torres link up in the area but the ball rolls out for a goal kick
32 mins : Gerrard fouled on outside of area giving us a free kick in a great position
33 mins : Diouf charges out from the wall to block Gerrard's kick - TV replay show we should have had a penalty in original move for foul on Benayoun
39 mins : Plessis has a knock and could be replaced by Alonso
40 mins : Dossena's deep cross from the left is well defended by Bardsley at the expense of a corner
41 mins : Keane works space cleverly on the edge of the area but drives his low shot wide
45 mins : One extra minute to be played
17:18 GMT : Half Time Reached
17:34 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : Substitution: Xabi Alonso for Damien Plessis:
50 mins : Gerrard bombs down the right but the attack comes to an end. Slow start to second half from both sides
53 mins : Gerrard has the ball on the edge of the box and fires a low shot wide of the far post
55 mins : Great chance for Diouf on his left foot but he can't get pace into the shot and it's easy for Reina
56 mins : Benayoun shot is saved and Keane wins a corner with the follow up attempt
56 mins : First Booking: Alvaro Arbeloa:
56 mins : Substitution: Dean Whitehead for Teemo Tainio:
58 mins : Benayoun lays the ball into Gerrard's path and the skipper's shot is blocked as it heads towards goal
66 mins : Liverpool win a corner - can we make it count?
67 mins : Sunderland deal well with Gerrard's delivery and clear their lines comfortably
70 mins : Free kick right on the edge of the box after foul on Benayoun. Great chance to work the goalkeeper
73 mins : Gerrard's free kick goes into the wall
73 mins : Benayoun's shot is saved and Torres' goalbound follow-up hits Keane and the ball rolls wide
74 mins : Substitution: Carlos Edwards for Steed Malbranque:
77 mins : Substitution: Nabil El Zhar for Robbie Keane:
80 mins : Oh so close for Alonso as he goes for goal from his own half and doesn't miss by much
80 mins : Substitution: Fabio Aurelio for Yossi Benayoun:
80 mins : Substitution: Michael Chopra for El-Hadji Diouf:
83 mins : GOAL! Fernando Torres: Great strike from Torres from outside the area into the corner
88 mins : First Booking: Nabil El Zhar:
18:23 GMT : Match Over

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9:29 AM
Categories: Sunderland, Torress. Author: nik

Date Opposition Competition Home or Away Kick Off e-Season Ticket Coverage Result

12 Jul, 2008 Tranmere Rovers Friendly A 15:00 1-0
16 Jul, 2008 FC Lucerne Friendly A 18:35 2-1
19 Jul, 2008 Wisla Krakow Friendly A 17:00 1-1
22 Jul, 2008 Hertha Berlin Friendly A 18:45 0-0
30 Jul, 2008 Villarreal Friendly A 20:30 0-0
02 Aug, 2008 Glasgow Rangers Friendly A 15:00 4-0
05 Aug, 2008 Valerenga Friendly A 18:00 4-1
08 Aug, 2008 Lazio Friendly H 20:00 1-0
13 Aug, 2008 Standard Liege Champions League Qualifier (1) A 20:05 0-0
16 Aug, 2008 Sunderland Barclays Premier League A 17:30 - 1-0
23 Aug, 2008 Middlesbrough Barclays Premier League H 15:00 -

27 Aug, 2008 Standard Liege Champions League Qualifier (2) H 20:05 Y Y Y -
31 Aug, 2008 Aston Villa Barclays Premier League A 16:00 Y N Y -
13 Sep, 2008 Manchester United Barclays Premier League H 12:45 Y N Y -
20 Sep, 2008 Stoke City Barclays Premier League H 15:00 Y N Y -
27 Sep, 2008 Everton Barclays Premier League A 12:45 Y N Y -
04 Oct, 2008 Manchester City Barclays Premier League A 15:00 Y N Y -
18 Oct, 2008 Wigan Athletic Barclays Premier League H 15:00 Y N Y -
26 Oct, 2008 Chelsea Barclays Premier League A 13:30 Y N Y -
29 Oct, 2008 Portsmouth Barclays Premier League H 20:00 Y N Y -
01 Nov, 2008 Tottenham Hotspur Barclays Premier League A 17:30 Y N Y -
08 Nov, 2008 West Brom Barclays Premier League H 17:30 Y N Y -
15 Nov, 2008 Bolton Wanderers Barclays Premier League A 12:45 Y N Y -
22 Nov, 2008 Fulham Barclays Premier League H 15:00 Y N Y -
01 Dec, 2008 West Ham United Barclays Premier League H 20:00 Y N Y -
06 Dec, 2008 Blackburn Rovers Barclays Premier League A 15:00 Y N Y -
13 Dec, 2008 Hull City Barclays Premier League H 15:00 Y N Y -
20 Dec, 2008 Arsenal Barclays Premier League A 15:00 Y N Y -
26 Dec, 2008 Bolton Wanderers Barclays Premier League H 15:00 Y N Y -
28 Dec, 2008 Newcastle United Barclays Premier League A 14:00 Y N Y -
10 Jan, 2009 Stoke City Barclays Premier League A 15:00 Y N Y -
17 Jan, 2009 Everton Barclays Premier League H 15:00 Y N Y -
27 Jan, 2009 Wigan Athletic Barclays Premier League A 20:00 Y N Y -
31 Jan, 2009 Chelsea Barclays Premier League H 15:00 Y N Y -
07 Feb, 2009 Portsmouth Barclays Premier League A 15:00 Y N Y -
21 Feb, 2009 Manchester City Barclays Premier League H 15:00 Y N Y -
28 Feb, 2009 Middlesbrough Barclays Premier League A 15:00 Y N Y -
04 Mar, 2009 Sunderland Barclays Premier League H 20:00 Y N Y -
14 Mar, 2009 Manchester United Barclays Premier League A 15:00 Y N Y -
21 Mar, 2009 Aston Villa Barclays Premier League H 15:00 Y N Y -
04 Apr, 2009 Fulham Barclays Premier League A 15:00 Y N Y -
11 Apr, 2009 Blackburn Rovers Barclays Premier League H 15:00 Y N Y -
18 Apr, 2009 Arsenal Barclays Premier League H 15:00 Y N Y -
25 Apr, 2009 Hull City Barclays Premier League A 15:00 Y N Y -
02 May, 2009 Newcastle United Barclays Premier League H 15:00 Y N Y -
09 May, 2009 West Ham United Barclays Premier League A 15:00 Y N Y -
16 May, 2009 West Brom Barclays Premier League A 15:00 Y N Y -
24 May, 2009 Tottenham Hotspur Barclays Premier League H 16:00 Y N Y -

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6:09 PM
Categories: Fixtures. Author: nik

The new season is almost upon us and Rafa Benitez has given his first pre-match press conference of the Premier League campaign.

Reporters quizzed the gaffer on everything from Steven Gerrard's fitness and our title hopes to whether fans can expect any further additions during the current transfer window.

Here's what Rafa had to say in full:


Can we start with injury news, Rafa?

We had some problems the other day with Xabi Alonso and Yossi Benayoun receiving dead legs, and Fabio Aurelio and Martin Skrtel are improving, so we will see this afternoon and then decide. Steven Gerrard was training really well yesterday and he is okay.

Good news that Fabio is nearly back?

Yes, I think so. We need these players. Competition for places is good.

You've had a good pre-season in terms of results but are you happy that all your players are ready for the season?

Yes, I think it was important to see all the players training and we are really close to that. Philipp Degen is still injured but the rest of the squad is nearly there. If we see the Olympic players back soon, it'll be fantastic for the rest of the season.

Robbie Keane was your major signing over the summer – how is he fitting in?

He is okay - training really well and hard. He will need time, as always, to get an understanding with Torres and get to know all of his teammates.

What sort of system do you expect to play with those two?

It depends on the games. Keane has good movement in between the lines but also up front. We can play with both up front or maybe just one.

How excited are you by their partnership?

For a manager, when the ball is in attack, everything depends on the players you have. When you have players with quality and game intelligence like Keane and Torres it makes it easier for me, so maybe I will enjoy it.

Are you happy that you have the right sort of strength in depth now?

The squad is better and that was my idea. We do have some problems on the left because we have lost John Arne Riise, Harry Kewell and Sebastian Leto – because of his work permit. Okay, we will see what happens in the future but yes, the squad is better.

Another young player you've brought in is David Ngog, who's caught a lot of people's eye. Is he one to watch this season?

Yes, we knew when we bought him that he was a good player. Watching him in every training session, you see different things. You see his quality and I think he's also been pretty good in the games. He will be a good player for us for the rest of the season and hopefully for the future.


Rafa on priorities
Our priority is always to try to win every game, then you see where you are a contender or whether you can win this trophy or another. We will try to do our best in all the competitions but if you had to decide which one you wanted, I think all the fans would say the Premier League.
The years go by and every season people say it will be Liverpool's year, but do you feel that this season – do you feel it could be your year?

As I said, we have a better squad, but it always depends on the other teams too. We can be really good, but look at a few years ago when we got 82 points but still finished third. There are very good teams in the Premier League.

Is the Premier League your priority this year?

Our priority is always to try to win every game, then you see whether you are a contender or whether you can win this trophy or another. We will try to do our best in all the competitions but if you had to decide which one you wanted, I think all the fans would say the Premier League.

Last season you rested some of your major players in Premier League games – is it going to be the same this time or can we expect a more settled side?

It depends on the game and the players. Last season people talked about Torres but he was injured for two or three games and then on the bench for one or two. If you win, nobody talks about rotation. We will try to win and then you can talk about victories and not rotation.

Do you expect to make any more signings before the end of the transfer window?

Really, I don't know. We will continue working and then see.

Is any deal for Gareth Barry dead given the fact he played in the UEFA Cup?

I will try to be very clear because I would like to talk about the next games and Sunderland. Everybody has been talking and it is clear some newspapers and journalists – and all our supporters know this – blame me for everything: global warming; rises in petrol prices; everything. In this case, I want to be clear: since I talked with Martin O'Neill in April, I didn't talk with anyone else at Aston Villa. All the talks have been between Rick Parry and the owner and chief executive of Aston Villa – and they have been pretty good. If someone wants to talk about Barry in the future, they will have to talk to the owner or chief executive of Aston Villa, or Rick Parry. I was not doing the talks about Barry; I was not doing the talks about Alonso and Arsenal.

Has the situation been frustrating for you?

If you want to talk about players, you have to talk to Rick Parry; if you want to talk about football, talk to me.

In terms of football, are the players keen to get that Standard Liege performance out of their system this weekend?

Yes, the reaction of the players in training yesterday was fantastic. We were very happy to see them back on the pitch after a bad performance, and they showed a high tempo and determination. That is what we wanted to see.

And do your scouting reports suggest Sunderland are a better side this season?

Yes, they have clearly signed some good players. It is always tough to play away at Sunderland because they have some quality players. It could be a physical game but also a game with good football.

Back to the title race, and you say you have a better squad but the other three teams will have as well, won't they? Is the gap between you and them narrower?

You really don't know. We are pleased with the people we have signed but it will be the same with the other managers. For me, good teams have signed good players, and maybe we will see some surprises.

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5:54 PM
Categories: EPL, Rafa Benitez. Author: nik

The banner hung over the away end at Ibrox may have been tongue in cheek but it certainly provided a window into the souls of the Liverpool fans.
"Thank you Rangers for your efforts in destroying Manchester," it read, much to the amusement of just about everyone in the ground for Liverpool's pre-season walk in the park against Scotland's second best team.

It was a joke and a decent one at that but it also offered an insight into the mindset of the hordes in red and white who follow their team all over Europe in massive numbers - they know full well that Manchester must be destroyed, in a sporting sense, if Liverpool's wait for a league title is not to reach 20 years.

The most chastening of all thoughts is that this could be the season when it is the Stretford End and not the Kop which takes great pride in bellowing "18 times" to belittle their greatest rivals.




Since 1990, that chant has been the shield which has protected Reds fans even when their team has not lived up to the glorious standards set by their illustrious predecessors.

Glorifying the past because the future had dried up was their crutch and they were going to hold on to it even as United - and Chelsea and Arsenal to a lesser extent - voraciously vacuumed up league title after league title.

But this season Liverpool's past could come back to haunt them. All of a sudden, the combination of history and basic mathematics which has given them a comfort blanket to hold on to for so long may not be enough to protect them.

United are just one Championship trophy away from drawing level and if that isn't enough to inspire that long awaited title challenge from Anfield then God only knows what is.

There is now no escaping the challenge which faces Liverpool. Their rivals from the wrong end of the M62 have thrown down the gauntlet and unless the Reds do something about it there is a major possibility that they will lose their cherished title as England's most successful club come next May.

Sharing is not the Liverpool way as anyone foolishly peddling the ridiculous idea of a shared stadium with Everton has found out to their cost in recent years.

Liverpool set the standards for others to follow and the idea of no longer being singularly known as England's finest is one of the few things in life more depressing than a DVD of last season's European Cup Final.

The positive thing is Liverpool's fate remains in their own hands and they have it within their gift to retain their status as the nation's history boys.

They can also count on their strongest squad of players since Alan Hansen last lifted the league championship trophy above his head back in May 1990.

And they have a manager who has proven with Valencia that he has what it takes to defeat the biggest of boys and who has grown in confidence with every passing year he has spent in this country.

Rafa Benitez knows that the time has come for a genuine title challenge and not one which flatters to deceive or fizzles out when the business end of the season comes around.

Liverpool have to be in the mix next Easter. They must go into Alex Ferguson's infamous "squeaky bum" time with their buttocks clenched and handle anything that comes their way.

The platform has been built for them to spring from over the last four seasons and the big question now is has enough been done during the summer transfer window to see their status change from also rans to competitors?

Fans of Robbie Keane will tell you it has and that the acquisition of Ireland's record goalscorer can be the final piece of the seemingly never ending jigsaw which Liverpool have been putting together for oh so long.

Even at £20m the former Spurs man still has the potential to provide value for money and should Keane perform with the kind of élan and skill which is his trademark then no-one will complain about his price tag.

The arrival of Keane has only served to strengthen the spine of the Liverpool team which was already one of the best around.

Right down the middle of Benitez's side there is a quality that makes others envious and which gives Kopites hope.

Just putting the names down on paper is an exercise in belief building - Reina, Carragher, Agger, Skrtel, Hyypia, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Torres and now Keane are all undoubtedly good enough to be part of a title winning side.

The arrival of Andrea Dossena and Philipp Degen proved that Benitez was in agreement with the majority of fans who follow his team that Liverpool were crying out for attacking full backs.

It is still far too early to say whether either or both have the necessary talent to take the Reds to the next level but at least a weakness has been addressed and if all Dossena does is not score a calamitous own goal in the last minute of a European Cup semi-final progress will have been made.

In all likelihood, it will be the usual suspects who will have the biggest say in whether or not Liverpool can end their ongoing title drought.

At times, the importance of Gerrard and Carragher to this Liverpool side is easy to underestimate because they have been around for so long and because the high standards they set are sometimes taken for granted.

But make no mistake about it, if a challenge is to emerge at Anfield it will be the long serving local pair who will be at the heart of it.

Their leadership and their top class talent will be needed as much as it ever has been and should the standards they set be reached by others around them it could just be enough to light the fuse on a very special season.

Torres has already proven that he can live with the best and should Spain's Euro 2008 hero enjoy another goal-laden campaign Liverpool will certainly not be wanting when it comes to firepower.

If anything, the addition of Keane only adds to Torres' potential and their partnership has all the ingredients that any manager would be looking for in a dream team attacking pair.

Pace, flair, imagination, creativity, bravery, power, ingenuity, strength, aerial ability, finishing prowess - you name it, the Torres and Keane pairing has it.

They are at the attacking edge of a Liverpool team which is undoubtedly packed with quality but now they have to take the next step.

Should they do so, then legendary status will be assured, not to mention the not so trivial matter of ensuring Liverpool retain their status as England's most decorated domestic club.

Knocking United off their perch may be the tallest of orders but it can be done and should history made then the Liverpool fans will be thanking their team for "destroying Manchester."

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12:49 PM
Categories: EPL, Liverpool, New Season Previews. Author: nik

STANDARD LIEGE 0 - 0 LIVERPOOL Wednesday 13 August 2008 20:05 , Champions League Qualifier (1) REINA HEROICS SECURE LIEGE DRAW Liverpool's Champions League dream is still alive after Pepe Reina's first-half penalty save secured a goalless draw with Standard Liege in a tense third round qualifying tie at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne. Rafael Benitez's side struggled to impose their game on the Belgian champions throughout a tight contest and will now head into the second-leg at Anfield in two weeks time knowing victory is imperative if they are to progress to the group stage of the competition. Ahead of the match the Reds were greeted by a wall of noise as the Liege faithful did their best to imitate Anfield's famous 12th man, a fact boldly highlighted by the 'Kop Rouches' banner that was decked across one of the stands of the 'Chaudron de Sclessin'. It was a reception that illustrated the level of respect they have for a club with such similar traditions to their own, although they did not allow themselves to be overawed by the 2005 winners as they set about making life uncomfortable for Rafael Benitez's side from the start. Indeed, it was the Reds of Belgium who were playing with the authority that had been expected from the Merseysiders and within seven minutes they left Liverpool shaken when a free-kick from the left was whipped into the penalty area allowing Marouane Fellaini to ghost in unmarked and bounce a free header against the post; with Pepe Reina performing miracles to somehow palm the rebounding ball to safety. It was a warning for the visitors but one they did not take heed of and three minutes later they conceded a spot-kick when Wilfried Dalmat's cross from the right was harshly adjudged to have been handled in the area by Andrea Dossena - although the Italian's protests that the incident took place outside the area seemed more than justified. A roar of anticipation greeted Dante Bonfirm Costa as he stepped up to face Reina, but the full-back never looked confident and the Spaniard further enhanced his reputation as a penalty-saving expert when he dived to his right to block a tame effort with his legs. As the half progressed the Reds began to settle, but they did struggle to create any openings of note and the much-vaunted strike force of Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane - who was making his competitive bow for the Reds - rarely gave the Liege rearguard much to worry about. A 35-yard Xabi Alonso free-kick that curved onto the roof of the net was the best Liverpool had to show for their first-half efforts and Benitez must have been relieved to get his side in at half-time with the game still scoreless. The visitors needed to silence the buoyant home support with a more sustained spell of possession in the second period but it was Laszlo Boloni's men that continued to look the more threatening. Reina twice had to be alert to deny Dieu Mbokani after it looked like the long ball over the top would set him free, while only an offside flag prevented Dirk Kuyt's last-ditch block on Igor De Camargo from being more meaningful. It was one-way traffic in terms of chances and only De Camargo will know how he failed to give the Belgians the lead just past the hour mark when he contrived to guide Dante's delightful cross inches wide of the far post. The five-times winners of the competition were in need of some inspiration, and it came as no surprise when Steven Gerrard, who had been a doubt ahead of the match with a thigh strain, emerged from the bench with just over 20 minutes remaining to replace Keane alongside Torres. It didn't take long for the England man to get amongst it either and within minutes he had sent a curling 25-yard free-kick just wide of Aragon Espinoza's right-hand post. However, not even a player who has so often been Liverpool's hero over the years could turn the match in the away side's favour and they will now head back to England determined to put the record straight at Anfield where the Belgian side will come face-to-face with the real 12th man. Teams Liverpool: Reina, Dossena, Carragher (captain), Agger, Arbeloa, Benayoun, Alonso, Plessis, Kuyt, Torres, Keane. Subs - Hyypia, Pennant, Insua, Cavalieri, El Zhar, Voronin, Gerrard Standard Liege: Espinosa, Bonfim Costa, Mikulic, Sarr, , Witsel, Defour (captain), Fellaini, Dalmat, Mbokani, De Camargo. Subs - Goreux, Ingrao, Benko, Dembele, Nicaise, Toama, De Vriendt Referee: Tom Henning Ovrebo (Nor) Conditions: Windy Attendance: Unknown Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Pepe Reina Breakdown 19:05 GMT : Match Starts 1 min : Liverpool kick off wearing their new green European kit 2 mins : Great atmosphere inside the stadium in the early stages 5 mins : Keane is muscled out of possession on the touch-line. No chances to speak of so far 6 mins : Arbeloa concedes a cheap free kick, giving the home side the chance to get the ball into Reina's area 8 mins : Feillani comes within inches of opening the scoring with a header from 6 yards which hits the post and appears to cross the line before Reina palms it away 9 mins : Alonso goes for goal from a free kick but strikes the ball into the wall 10 mins : Dossena concedes a penalty with a handball inside the area 11 mins : Dante's spot kick is poor and Reina saves with a dive away to his right hand side 15 mins : Feillani heads tamely wide from a corner as the home side continue to ask the early questions 19 mins : Liverpool have a free kick in a great position on the edge of the area after foul on Benayoun 19 mins : Alonso curls in the kick but Dante is well placed to head clear 24 mins : De Camargo goes on a mazy run but is well tracked by Alonso who recovers possession 26 mins : First Booking: Xabi Alonso: Late challenge earns a yellow card 30 mins : First Booking: Marcos : Bad tackle on Torres - Liverpool win free kick 22 yards from goal 31 mins : The free kick comes to nothing as Alonso strikes the wall with his effort 40 mins : Torres drives the ball into the area but it comes to nothing as the home side clear 42 mins : Torres is fouled again as Liverpool win another free kick on the left 19:52 GMT : Half Time Reached 20:08 GMT : Second Half Begins 46 mins : The home side get the second period underway 47 mins : Darfour floats in a free kick which Reina deals with, but he's fouled and we have a free kick 50 mins : De Camargo has a chance clear in the area but can't make proper contact with his shot 54 mins : Arbeloa concedes a corner as the home side pour forward again to pose us problems 58 mins : Torres almost latches onto a long ball forward but the home 'keeper is out quickly to smother the danger 62 mins : Alonso finds Keane who wins a corner - chance for us 63 mins : Alonso's corner is well defended by a well organised home defence 65 mins : Another chance for Liege goes begging as De Camargo heads wide with only Reina to beat 67 mins : Substitution: Steven Gerrard for Robbie Keane: 68 mins : Gerrard's corner is punched away as far as Alonso who shoots wide, but he's fouled as he shoots as we win a free kick on edge of the box 71 mins : Gerrard bends the kick over the bar 73 mins : Reina does well under pressure to deal with another dangerous situation in his area 74 mins : Alonso is down and needs treatment as the game comes to a stop 82 mins : Substitution: Nabil El Zhar for Dirk Kuyt: 87 mins : First Booking: Tomislav Mikulic: 90 mins : Gerrard goes for goal with a late free kick which is easily saved 20:56 GMT : Match Over

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1:46 PM
Categories: ECL, Reina, Standard Liege. Author: nik

The Reds boss has been pleased by what he has seen from the duo during their brief time together in pre-season and expects them to prove their quality in the forthcoming campaign - with the Spaniard hopeful that Standard Liege will be first on their hit-list. "I think the two strikers are top class and on the same level as anyone," he told reporters at a press conference ahead of Wednesday night's Champions League qualifier with Standard Liege at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne. "If they play together a lot I think they can go on and get better and better. "If you ask me, I would prefer them to have played together more in pre-season, but Torres came back late and we only signed Keane recently so it wasn't ideal. "Both players are clever and it is clear that if they play together for a long time, it will be easier for them to develop an understanding. I think they will be okay and can show their quality. "In the time they have had together they have played well and we have been scoring goals. They need time but we have confidence in them and I think we played well in the last game against Lazio." Standing in the way of Torres and co's progress to the Group stages of Europe's elite competition are Belgian champions Standard Liege. Benitez admits his side must be wary of any opponent they go head-to-head with in the Champions League but is confident his side will not fall to the same fate that saw last's season's UEFA Cup finalists, Rangers, come unstuck. "I have confidence in my players and you must always be careful of any team you come up against in Europe," he said. "I know Liege lost to St Etienne in a friendly but they also won the Belgian Super Cup the other day so we need to be careful. "Any top side competing in this competition must be aware of the quality of the teams involved. We must be focused every game and make sure we do not make any mistakes. "We know it's important to qualify every year and hopefully it will be the same this year." He continued: "We have been trying to learn a lot about Liege and have been watching the games they have been playing recently and of course analysing last season too. We have some information. "My staff have been watching games from last season but they have changed coach from then so to see them now is more important." Benitez also revealed that he would assess Steven Gerrard in tonight's training session at the Sclessin before making a decision on whether to field him in tomorrow's first-leg encounter. "He will train today so hopefully he will be okay for the match," he said. While the Reds captain looks likely to win his fitness battle, one player who won't feature is full-back Steve Finnan, who Benitez feels is still short of match practice. "He is not on the bench and has not travelled but we have Arbeloa in that position," said the Anfield manager. "He was injured at the beginning of pre-season and had an operation and although he is now training with the team, he is still a bit behind in fitness."

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8:30 PM
Categories: Rafa Benitez, Robbie Keane, steven gerard, Torress. Author: nik

Liverpool Football Club have today released the following press statement.

Liverpool FC chief executive Rick Parry said: "There has been a lot of comment today regarding our position with regards to Gareth Barry. "This is not about questioning the manager's judgement or the ability of a particular player. The owners have clearly demonstrated throughout the year they are willing to back Rafa in the transfer market and will continue to do so. "It is obviously the selling club's prerogative to put whatever price they want on the player, but on this occasion Liverpool think the price quoted is too high."

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11:01 AM
Categories: Gareth Barry, Rick Parry. Author: nik

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10:48 AM
Categories: Javier Mascherano, lucas leiva, Olympic, Ryan Babel. Author: nik

Andriy Voronin struck a last-gasp winner to ensure Liverpool ended their pre-season preparations with a 1-0 win over Lazio at Anfield.

The Ukrainian striker, who had only been on the pitch a matter of minutes as a substitute, kept his cool to thrash a dipping shot beyond Juan Pablo Carrizo to give the Reds a deserved win.

It was the perfect way to sign off ahead next week's Champions League and Barclays Premier League double header against Standard Liege and Sunderland, when the real business will get underway.

On a night when the Anfield faithful came out in force, Liverpool's first sight of goal came on nine minutes when Fernando Torres - back on home turf for the first time since his Euro 2008 winning exploits with Spain - drilled a ferocious 25-yard effort just over the crossbar.

It was the highlight of a bright start from Rafael Benitez's side, with the Reds boss using the clash with the Italians to give a first taste of L4 action to two of his new boys.

Andrea Dossena made a good impression down the left flank, pouring forward at every opportunity, while another man fulfilling a boyhood dream, Robbie Keane, saw his first shot at goal fly aimlessly wide after great link up play with Dirk Kuyt.

The home crowd's buoyant mood ahead of kick-off lifted to a crescendo of noise as they responded to this flurry of activity with the full repertoire of Anfield hymns; but despite all their efforts they could not inspire an early goal.

Torres could have changed that on 18 minutes but he delayed his shot when Yossi Benayoun presented him with a good opportunity in the Lazio box and the Spaniard was again left to rue his luck when he headed Xabi Alonso's centre well over Juan Pablo Carrizo's near post minutes later.

The visitors were struggling to provide any serious threat to Pepe Reina and co but could have snatched a surprise lead soon after when Stefan Mauri glanced a free header well wide of the Kop end net.

The first-half came and went without the breakthrough although an acrobatic volley from Yossi Benayoun should have seen Dirk Kuyt provide Liverpool with an interval lead on 44 minutes - but the striker somehow failed to connect with the ball as the goal lay gaping.

The second-half began in similar fashion to the first, with Liverpool on top and Kuyt again went close when his low effort from the right was well held by Carrizo after great play from Benayoun and Alvaro Arbeloa.

On 54 minutes the moment the Kop were craving nearly arrived but Keane lashed his effort just wide of the near post after an exquisite one-two with Kuyt sent him powering into the right-hand side of the penalty area.

For all Liverpool's dominance, the visitors remained a rare but very real threat on the counter attack and Stephen Ayodele Makinwa gave Reina a scare just shy of the hour mark when he guided a header just over the frame of the Spaniard's goal.

The excellent Xabi Alonso was next to try his luck with a 25-yard free-kick that deflected just wide of target while Daniel Agger brought a magnificent save out of Carrizo from the resulting corner.

Substitutes Pasquale Foggia and Mauro Zarate both warmed the fingertips of Reina before Voronin struck to snatch victory in stoppage time.

TEAMS

Liverpool: Reina, Dossena, Carragher (captain), Agger, Arbeloa, Benayoun, Alonso, Plessis, Kuyt, Torres, Keane. Subs - Hyypia, Ngog, Cavalieri, El Zhar, Voronin, Darby, Pennant, Insua, Finnan, Spearing, Nemeth

Lazio: Sorin, Radu, Siviglia (captain), Rozenhal, Lichsteiner, Matuzalem, Dabo, Mauri, Ledesma, Pandev, Makinwa. Subs - Zarate, Diakite, Tuia, Mendicino, Cinelli, Faraoni, Manfredini, Meghni, Foggia, Muslera

Referee: Andre Marriner

Conditions: Fine

Attendance: 43062

Liverpoolfc.tv Man-of-the-Match: Xabi Alonso


BREAKDOWN

19:14 GMT : Match Starts
1 min : Lazio, who attack the Kop end first half, kick off at a packed Anfield
1 min : Xabi Alonso's name is echoing around the Kop...and it's followed by Robbie Keane's Father Ted number
2 mins : Kuyt wins a corner after a nice throughball from Yossi
2 mins : Cleared
4 mins : Class defending from Dossena and Agger
7 mins : Dossena finds Yossi with a tidy backheel but the Israeli is dispossessed
9 mins : Kuyt searches out Torres with a long ball but the Spaniard's low cross is cleared
9 mins : Torres shoots from 20 yards...over
13 mins : Corner...Alonso steps up...cleared at the near post
14 mins : Free-kick in a good area...it's effectively a corner...again it's cleared at the near post. Come on, Xabi
15 mins : Alonso spreads the ball to Keane out right...the number seven plays a one-two with Dirk before shooting over. Good play
17 mins : Brilliant ball by Plessis to Kuyt sets Liverpool on the attack but it comes to nothing
17 mins : Torres in the box...takes one touch too many but it's a corner
18 mins : Dossena takes it this time...it's better but again headed clear
19 mins : Arbeloa swings one in...Torres ducks to get his head on it but it's just over
21 mins : First real chance for Lazio as free-kick is swung in but Mauri heads the wrong side of the woodwork
23 mins : Free-kick for the visitors in a dangerous position...the ball's on it's way...was that a push by Alvaro? Could have been a pen, that, but no one seemed to see
26 mins : Dossena wins the wall back well...he's playing really well
27 mins : El Nino is through...no he's not - offside
28 mins : Keane drives it to Yossi...he cuts inside but can't find space to shoot...comes to Torres...wide. Offside anyway
31 mins : Good tackle by Dossena...he and Alonso have been top drawer
32 mins : Lichtsteiner slips theatrically, much to the amusement of Anfield
33 mins : Kuyt crosses towards Keane...he's beaten in the air
38 mins : Torres brought down in the box...the Lazio man got the ball - Anfield isn't happy with referee Andre Marriner, though
40 mins : Keane sets Torres free...he's felled in the box but again the ref says no. Would have been harsh
41 mins : Dossena is beaten for pace but no Lazio player is there to meet the low cross
44 mins : Play is stopped as two Lazio men are on the floor
45 mins : Yossi plays it in...it's bouncing...Kuyt must score...but the Dutch forward doesn't get a decent contact
20:01 GMT : Half Time Reached
20:17 GMT : Second Half Begins
46 mins : Substitution: David Ngog for Fernando Torres:
46 mins : Substitution: Mourad Meghni for Francelino Matuzalem:
46 mins : Substitution: Mauro Zarate for Stefano Mauri:
49 mins : Kuyt crosses but it's too long for Keane
49 mins : Great dribble from Yossi across the edge of the box...finds Alvaro, who beats a man before giving it to Kuyt. His shot is saved
51 mins : Corner to the Italians...flicked on...cleared
52 mins : Dirk looks hurt...he fell with the full back and got a boot in the eye...gonna be a shiner, that
54 mins : Keane sprints forwards...give and go to Kuyt...Kuyt gives it back...that could be it...weak effort in front of the Kop, who sing his name regardless
56 mins : Makinwa heads over
56 mins : Alonso corner is touched on to Agger but the Dane isn't expecting it
57 mins : Alonso wins a throw in by hassling the Lazio defence...the Kop sings his name once more - they love him more than Torres tonight
59 mins : Dirk puts Ngog through...his cross is blocked...it comes back to Dirk...his control takes it away from him
60 mins : Alonso fouled on the edge of the box
60 mins : He's gonna take it...25 yards out...deflected wide for a corner which the Spaniard will take
61 mins : The ball comes in...Kuyt must score...scuffs his shot...comes to Agger...scissor kicks it...good save
62 mins : Substitution: Pasquale Foggia for Goran Pandev:
62 mins : End to end stuff...Makinwa fires one towards goal and Reina has to tip it over
67 mins : Low cross by Zarate...cleared by Carra
69 mins : Substitution: Christian Manfredini for Ousmane Dabo:
71 mins : Fierce effort by substitute Foggia...well save by Pepe
74 mins : Substitution: Diego Cavalieri for Pepe Reina:
74 mins : Substitution: Sami Hyypia for Daniel Agger:
74 mins : Substitution: Emiliano Insua for Alvaro Arbeloa:
74 mins : Substitution: Nabil El Zhar for Yossi Benayoun:
75 mins : Substitution: Jay Spearing for Xabi Alonso:
75 mins : Substitution: Jay Spearing for Andrea Dossena:
81 mins : Substitution: Ettore Mendicino for Stephen Makinwa:
71 mins : Substitution: Krisztian Nemeth for David Ngog:
81 mins : Substitution: Andriy Voronin for Robbie Keane:
81 mins : Substitution: Steve Finnan for Jamie Carragher:
81 mins : Substitution: Krisztian Nemeth for Damien Plessis:
83 mins : Substitution: Mobido Diakite for Stephan Lichsteiner:
87 mins : Substitution: Marco Davide Faraoni for Stefan Radu:
88 mins : The game died about 15 minutes ago
89 mins : Substitution: Alessandro Tuia for Sebastiano Siviglia:
90 mins : Substitution: Antonio Cinelli for Cristian Daniel Ledesma:
90 mins : GOAL! Andriy Voronin:
21:08 GMT : Match Over

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12:57 PM
Categories: Andriy Voronin, Lazio. Author: nik

Rafael Benitez today responded to speculation linking Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt with moves away from Anfield and insisted: "Neither player will be leaving."
Benayoun is reportedly attracting interest from Italian giants Roma while Kuyt has this morning been linked with a switch to Hamburg in Germany.

The Liverpool boss has spoken with both players over the past 24 hours and is adamant each has a big part to play in the club's quest for honours this season.

He said: "It is true that Roma are interested in Yossi. I was talking with him yesterday and told him I want to keep him. He is a player with quality and has shown that during pre-season. I have no more news about Yossi - he will be staying with us.








"I also talked with Dirk Kuyt this morning. I am really pleased with him and he will be staying with us."

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12:02 PM
Categories: Dirk Kuyt, Rafa Benitez, Yossi Benayoun. Author: nik

Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun and David Ngog were all on the scoresheet in Oslo as the Reds secured a 4-1 victory over Valerengen in their penultimate pre-season friendly - and you can watch all of the goals online now. Alonso opened the scoring midway through the first half with a well guided shot which curled away from the Valerenga goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

The Norwegians levelled early in the second period when Zajic fired home from close range - but their joy was short-lived as Torres latched onto a chance inside the box and finished with his customary style.

Yossi Benayoun added to his impressive pre-season goals tally with a magical strike on the hour mark when he dribbled his way into space before clipping a brilliant chip over Troy Perkins in the home side's goal.

And youngster David Ngog completed the rout with a calm finish late on when he slotted the ball into the far corner of the net.

If you've got an e-Season Ticket simply click on the links below to enjoy the best moments from our latest pre-season success.

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1:35 PM
Categories: Liverpool, Valerenga. Author: nik

Rangers manager Walter Smith wanted a stern test ahead of Tuesday's make-or-break Champions League qualifier against FBK Kaunas - and Liverpool were happy to oblige by handing out a 4-0 thrashing in a glamour friendly at Ibrox.

David Ngog opened his goalscoring account for the Reds after Fernando Torres claimed the only goal of the first half.

• Torres and Keane impress Benitez

Yossi Benayoun then found the back of the net, before Xabi Alonso completed the rout from the penalty spot.

Rangers failed to score once again after Wednesday's Ibrox stalemate and know an improvement will be needed when they travel to Lithuania for the crucial second leg, as they bid to keep their European hopes alive.

New signing Madjid Bougherra was named on the bench but failed to make his Rangers debut, while Kyle Lafferty made his first home start.

New goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri started between the sticks for the Reds while, at the other end, Rangers faced the daunting prospect of trying to halt a strikeforce worth a combined total of £40million in the shape of new signing Robbie Keane and Torres.

Rangers had the best of the early chances. Lee McCulloch's ferocious long-range shot whistled inches past Cavalieri's right-hand post, before Kenny Miller hooked over after pouncing on a Nacho Novo lay-off.

Torres then came close for Liverpool when he threw himself in front of a cross from the left from Andrea Dossena, only to send his header screaming over the crossbar.

The breakthrough came with 23 minutes on the clock when a powerful Damien Plessis shot was blocked by Allan McGregor - but the goalkeeper could not hold the effort and Torres was on hand to rifle home the rebound.

Steven Gerrard then embarked on a decent run before unleashing a 20-yard drive that McGregor did well to parry but, this time, the danger was cleared with Keane loitering with intent in front of goal.

Then it was Rangers' turn to threaten when Sasa Papac's audacious attempt at lobbing into the top left corner was only just touched out of play by a full-stretch Cavalieri.

A flurry of activity from Rangers followed but the home side failed to restore parity before the half-time whistle.

The best chance came when Miller released Novo into the box, who rounded Cavalieri at the near post, only to somehow be denied from about a yard out by a sliding block from Dossena.

The good news for Rangers was that Torres was one of several players withdrawn at the interval, with both sides making five changes each.

The bad new was the arrival of Ngog, who helped himself to a goal of his own after 57 minutes. The French striker pounced on a loose pass from Kirk Broadfoot and left McGregor with no chance from 12 yards.

Liverpool added to their lead further three minutes later. McGregor managed to swipe at a Christian Nemeth effort only for Benayoun to come racing in at the back post and bury the rebound from close range.

Cavalieri made way for Jose Reina, while McGregor was swapped for Neil Alexander - and he was plucking the ball out of the net with 20 minutes to go.

Broadfoot was deemed to have tripped Nemeth in the box and Alonso stepped up to convert from 12 yards, with Alexander well beaten.

Torres and Keane impress Benitez
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez declared himself pleased with the first outing of new strike force Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane after the Merseyside club cruised to a 4-0 win over Rangers in their challenge match at Ibrox.

Keane, who cost Liverpool £20million when he moved from Tottenham last week, linked well with the Spaniard in a first half which Liverpool bossed for long spells.

Torres gave the visitors the interval lead from close range after Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor had fumbled a long-range drive from French youngster Damien Plessis.

After both sides made five substitutions each at half-time, with Torres staying inside, 19-year-old striker David Ngog struck from the edge of the box for his first goal since signing from Paris St Germain before Yossi Benayoun made it three at the far post on the hour.

More substitutions followed before Xabi Alonso slotted the fourth from the penalty spot after Ibrox defender Kirk Broadfoot had clumsily pulled down Krisztian Nemeth in the box.

Benitez, who declined to comment on the continuing speculation about Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry coming to Anfield, was pleased with the way his front two led his side to an easy victory.

'Both players showed good movement and so did (Steven) Gerrard,' he said.

'Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun were coming inside so I felt we had five offensive players, very clever and with quality so we were a threat all the time.

'Keane is very clever and he worked hard. He is very happy here and hopefully we will see a lot of good movement and also goals from him.

'Gerrard, Torres and Keane playing together was one of the keys to keeping possession.

'But I feel we have some good players in the team, different players with different qualities and a good mentality.'

Despite the scoreline, Benitez, who also straight-batted questions about the continual booing of Keane by the home fans due to the former Spurs player being a Republic of Ireland international, insisted the Ibrox side offered a difficult challenge.

He said: 'The first half was okay but in the second half they needed to go forward in front of their supporters.

'We had more space and we scored the second goal on the counter-attack.

'But from the start of the game we wanted to impress and we wanted to win.

'We worked hard, had plenty of possession and wanted to keep a high tempo with the ball.

'We scored once and had one or two problems near the end of the first half but we controlled it.

'In the second half, with the game more open, it was easier for us to keep the high tempo.'

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1:43 PM
Categories: rangers, result. Author: nik