Europa League: Liverpool knocked out of Europe

Liverpool's quest for silverware is over for another season following a goalless draw with Braga at Anfield on Thursday night.

The Reds could not overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg of their Europa League last 16 encounter with The Arsenalists.

The result means a fifth-place finish in the Barclays Premier League is now likely to be required to secure participation in continental competition next term.

It should have been a night to remember for Pepe Reina on his 300^th appearance for the club and for Andy Carroll, who was deemed fit enough to start his first game since arriving for a record fee in the January transfer window.

It took him just eight minutes to earn nods of appreciation from the Kop with a towering header through to Joe Cole, whose angled shot was parried by Artur. Carroll attempted to steal his first Reds goal from the rebound only to see his shot deflected wide. Predictably, it was the 22-year-old who won the aerial battle from the resulting corner but this time his effort flashed wide of its own accord.

Braga took a while to settle but enjoyed the better chances as the half wore on. Last week's goalscorer Alan twice did well to carve space for a shot, while Lima powered towards goal only for his attempt to ricochet off Martin Skrtel to safety.

Liverpool had several shouts for a penalty denied - a handball and a shove on Lucas - but the visitors would have been aggrieved if either had been given. [Read more…]

Source: LiverpoolFC.tv

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Europa League: SC Braga 1-0 Liverpool (1st leg)

Liverpool suffered their first European defeat of the season as they were beaten 1-0 by Braga in the Europa League last 16, first-leg tie on Thursday night.

The home team got the only goal of the evening in Portugal on 18 minutes with Alan comfortably beating Pepe Reina from the penalty spot after Sotirios Kyrgiakos had brought down Mossoro in the area.

Liverpool struggled to muster a response and though Andy Carroll's introduction as an early second-half substitute did inject new life into their play, Braga were able to see out the contest to clinch the win.

The Reds departed John Lennon airport on Wednesday afternoon aiming to build upon Sunday's comprehensive 3-1 victory over Manchester United, knowing they would have to do so without the services of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez.

The captain remained behind on Merseyside to have a groin injury assessed, and though Suarez did travel with the squad, his appearances for Ajax in the competition earlier this season ruled him out of action. [Read more…]

Sources: Video courtesy of FootyTube.com and match report from LiverpoolFC.tv

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Europa League: Sparta Prague 0-0 Liverpool

Liverpool will take a creditable goalless draw back to Anfield following a laboured Europa League last 32 first leg clash with Sparta Prague.

Kenny Dalglish's first ever continental match in charge of the Reds will not live long in the memory - but it was the visitors who were the happier come the final whistle.

The contest will now be decided on Merseyside in one week's time to see who will face Braga or Lech in the last 16.

All the pre-match hype centred around the inclusion of four Youth Cup stars in the squad, though only England U19 skipper Conor Coady would be in with a chance of taking part after being named on the bench.

Instead it was an experienced Reds side that took to the Generali Stadium pitch on a freezing night in Prague - the one exception being 19-year-old Danny Wilson operating at left-back in a 4-4-2.

Liverpool set about controlling the early possession but it was 13 minutes before either side created an opening worth writing about. [Read more…]

Sources: Video courtesy of FootyTube.com and match report by LiverpoolFC.tv

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Europa League: Liverpool 4-1 Steaua Bucharest

Joe Cole scored his first goal for Liverpool and David Ngog notched a brace as the Reds beat Steaua Bucharest 4-1 in the Europa League on Thursday night.

The midfielder had the honour of firing home the club's fastest ever goal in European competition on 27 seconds before Ngog (penalty) and substitute Lucas Leiva put them back in the driving seat after Cristian Tanase had levelled with a sublime first-half finish.

Ngog then put the icing on the cake with a well taken fourth in injury-time to take his tally to six for the season so far.

It means Liverpool have opened their Group K account with an important victory and also sees Hodgson become the first Reds manager in history to win his first five European games.

Going into the clash the boss had opted to make eight changes to his line-up with both Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard amongst a host of players rested for Sunday's league contest at Manchester United. [Read more…]

 

 

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Europa League Group K opponents and dates

Liverpool have been drawn alongside Steaua Bucharest, Napoli and Utrecht in Europa League Group K.

It means Roy Hodgson's men will face a reunion with Andrea Dossena in a first ever meeting with Diego Maradona's former club.

Liverpool took on Steaua back in the 2003-04 season when Gerard Houllier's men secured a 2-1 aggregate success in the UEFA Cup, second round.

Djimi Traore got the all-important away goal in Romania before Harry Kewell netted in a 1-0 triumph at Anfield as the Reds notched up a landmark 50^th victory in the competition.

The clash with Utrecht will also see us play our first competitive match against the Dutch side, for whom current goalkeeping coach John Achterberg featured for prior to his move to Tranmere Rovers.

Liverpool will start off their Europa League Group K campaign with an Anfield clash against Steaua Bucharest on Thursday, September 16.

The first away trip for Roy Hodgson's men will be Holland and a visit to Utrecht on Thursday, September 30.

The Reds will complete their Group with an Anfield return against Utrecht on Wednesday, December 15.

Europa League Group Group K fixtures

Thursday, September 16. Liverpool v Steaua Bucharest. Kick-off 8.05pm.

Thursday, September 30. Utrecht v Liverpool. Kick-off 6pm.

Thursday, October 21. Napoli v Liverpool. Kick-off 6pm.

Thursday, November 4. Liverpool v Napoli. Kick-off 8.05pm.

Thursday, December 2. Steaua Bucharest v Liverpool. Kick-off 6pm.

Wednesday, December 15. Liverpool v Utrecht. Kick-off 8.05pm.

The draw in full:

Group A: Juventus, Manchester City, FC Salzburg, Lech Poznan

Group B: Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Rosenborg, Aris Thessaloniki FC

Group C: Sporting Lisbon, Lille, Levski Sofia, Gent

Group D: Villarreal, Club Brugge, Dinamo Zagreb, PAOK

Group E: AZ Alkmaar, Dynamo Kiev, FC Bate, FC Sheriff

Group F: CSKA Moscow, Palermo, Sparta Prague, Lausanne

Group G: Zenit St Petersburg, Anderlecht, AEK Athens, Hadjuk Split

Group H: VFB Stuttgart, Getafe, Odense BK, Young Boys

Group I: PSV Eindhoven, Sampdoria, FC Metalist Kharkviv, Debrecen

Group J: Sevilla, Paris St Germain, Borussia Dortmund, FC Karpaty Lviv

Group K: Liverpool, Steaua Bucharest, Napoli, Utrecht

Group L: FC Porto, Besiktas, CSKA Sofia, Rapid Vienna

Source: LiverpoolFc.tv

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Europa League: Trabzonspor 1-2 Liverpool goal highlights

Liverpool secured a safe passage into the group stage of the Europa League after grinding out a 2-1 win over Trabzonspor in Turkey as Roy Hodgson became the first Reds boss since Bill Shankly to win his first four European games in charge of the club.

The home side could not have wished for a better start as Teofilo Gutierrez converted inside the opening three minutes to void Ryan Babel's first-leg Anfield winner of one week ago.

Trabzonspor dominated the opening 45 and should have perhaps furthered their lead through captain Ibrahima Yattara, who was guilty of spurning an inviting headed opportunity.

Liverpool were much improved after the break, though David Ngog headed well when he perhaps should have found the back of the net with an unmarked header from inside the six-yard box.

However, their renewed vigour was rewarded when Remzi Giray Kacar put Glen Johnson's cross through his own net before Dirk Kuyt tapped home a winner with just seconds to spare to ensure the Reds' European adventure will continue this season and help Hodgson equal a milestone set by Shankly over four decades ago. [Read more…]

   

 

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv, RUTube

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Europa League: Liverpool 1-0 Trabzonspor First Leg Highlights

A Ryan Babel strike has given Liverpool a slender 1-0 advantage following the first leg of their Europa League play-off against Trabzonspor.

The Holland international fired home on the stroke of half-time but the Reds were denied the comfort of a second goal after Joe Cole missed a penalty in front of the Kop.

The scoreline keeps Liverpool as favourites to progress to the Europa League proper as Roy Hodgson tries to become only the second manager after Sven Goran Eriksson to guide three different teams to the competition's final.

Having fallen at the last hurdle with both Inter Milan and Fulham, Hodgson is desperate to make it third time lucky in Dublin.

However, the Liverpool manager has already made it clear he intends to use his full squad in Europe this term, and against Trabzonspor there were first starts of the campaign for new boy Christian Poulsen, Fabio Aurelio, Maxi Rodriguez and Babel.

Martin Kelly and Sotirios Kyrgiakos also made the XI as the likes of Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson and Martin Skrtel enjoyed a rest.

It was Kyrgiakos who almost headed Liverpool into an early lead after just five minutes when he connected with a tasty Maxi corner only to be denied by Trabzonspor custodian Onur.

Burak flicked a similar opportunity wide of Pepe Reina's goal shortly after but it was the hosts who were playing more football, Milan Jovanovic in particular impressing down the left.

Aurelio came close to breaking the deadlock with a free-kick which swerved just over the bar on 26 minutes as Liverpool continued to probe without creating many clear cut chances.

The visitors offered little by way of an attacking threat, though Burak might have made a name for himself again had his sweetly struck dead ball crept under rather than over the crossbar.

But it was Liverpool who eventually took the lead in first-half injury-time when Cole swept an intelligent through ball into the box, leaving lone striker Babel with the relatively simple task of side-footing past Onur.

It was to be the Dutchman's last act of the evening after being substituted during the interval for Fernando Torres, who within 30 seconds of getting a rapturous welcome from the Kop was trying his luck with a rasping effort from wide of the box.

A minute later Lucas wasted a free header after Jovanovic's corner, while debutant Poulsen whacked over from range. The Reds were starting to purr.

The second goal looked certain to arrive on 52 minutes when Serkan tripped Lucas in the box and Cole stepped up from 12 yards. The No.10's penalty kick was weak, however, allowing Onur to parry away.

Jovanovic was next to hold his head in hands when he was denied by a decent save after smart footwork from Torres sent him through on goal.

Trabzonspor should have made the Reds rue their profligacy on 59 minutes as Umut evaded the offside trap before being thwarted by a superb hand from Reina.

Poulsen seemed to have made it a dream debut with just under 20 minutes remaining when he tapped in after a goalmouth scramble - only to be denied by a dubious call of a foul from the referee. Television replays showed justice may have been done, though, as the Dane was standing in an offside position.

The Reds now take their lead to Turkey in a week's time.

  

 

Sources: LiverpoolFC.tv and RUTube

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Europa League: Liverpool 2-0 FK Rabotnicki Highlights

Roy Hodgson celebrated his first home game as Liverpool manager by watching his side cruise into the play-offs of the Europa League with a 2-0 victory over FK Rabotnicki.

First half goals from David Ngog and Steven Gerrard secured a 4-0 aggregate victory over their Macedonian opponents as the Reds booked their place in Friday's draw for the next play-off round of the competition.

                                V

With Liverpool's four English World Cup players named in the starting line-up - including a home debut for Joe Cole - there was a buzz around the stadium before kick-off, while the inclusion of Spanish starlet Dani Pacheco added further to the feel-good factor which has been enveloping the club over recent weeks.

Liverpool - backed by an enthusiastic home crowd who had turned out in their thousands despite the first leg cushion - started on the front foot and had the ball in the net after just seven minutes, but David Ngog was flagged offside as he bundled the ball home following a rampaging run by Glen Johnson.

The French striker should have opened the scoring four minutes later when set through on goal by Steven Gerrard, but visiting goalkeeper Bogatinov made a smart stop as Ngog delayed his shot.

With Hodgson's men enjoying total control and playing some eye-catching football, Pacheco and Gerrard both tried long range efforts before the opening goal finally arrived after 21 minutes.

Ngog - whose two goals last week put the Reds firmly in control of the tie - broke the deadlock on the night with a fine header from Cole's deep left wing cross.

Cole the provider almost turned into Cole the goalscorer minutes later, but his curling effort from the edge of the area curled just the wrong side of the woodwork.

It was only ever going to be a matter of time before the second goal came long, and it duly arrived six minutes before the break when the lively Ngog was fouled in the area and Gerrard stepped up to confidently stroke the penalty into the corner of the net.

Milan Jovanovic, another player in red making a home debut, stung the fingertips of the Rabotnicki goalkeeper with a well struck drive early in the second period as Liverpool picked up where they left off at the end of the first period with wave after wave of attacks.

Cole twice went close to opening his Liverpool account in the early stages of the second half, while Johnson drilled a long range drive over and Ngog headed tamely at Bogatinov when well positioned.

Pacheco, fresh from starring for Spain's Under-19s over the past few weeks, almost added the third of the night when he steered Jovanovic's pass wide of the upright and Martin Kelly, who was also celebrating today after being named in the England Under-21 squad for the first time, also went close with a well struck drive as the home side continued to completely dominate.

Steven Gerrard and Milan Jovanovic were replaced soon after by Alberto Aquilani and Maxi Rodriguez, but the procession towards the Macedonian goal continued as Cole again tested the goalkeeper with a low shot after clever movement inside the box.

Shots continued to rain down on the visitors goal, with Rabotnicki content for the most part to abandon any sense of attacking adventure and instead concentrate on damage limitation and ensuring they didn't suffer a heavy defeat.

In their only attack of note in the second period, the Macedonians almost snatched a late consolation when Kelly conceded a corner with a brilliant goalline clearance and then from the resulting kick Wandeir struck the base of the post.

In the end Liverpool's complete dominance wasn't reflected in the final scoreline, but doubtless Roy Hodgson will have been more than satisfied with the performance of his men on his first Anfield outing - and now all thoughts can focus on the big kick-off next weekend when Arsenal arrive on Merseyside.

David Ngog - 21st

 

Steven Gerrard (pen) - 40th

 

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Match report courtesy from LiverpoolFC.tv

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Two giants slain in a space of four days

While Liverpool very left licking the wounds after the Boro's defeat. The Reds bounced back to produced the most memorable performance in a European night by inflicting a 4-0 defeat of Real Madrid at Anfield. And we reminded Real that "This is Anfield".

With our title credential under fire by the media and pundits. They claimed, Liverpool were moulded as a cup competition team rather than an English club. So the faintest of hope to savage some pride and shut the critics, nothing sooner than a clash with Manchester United in the Premier league, where it's a do-or-die for the team from Merseyside.

The Red Devils were seven points ahead and with a game on hand before the start of the match. But soon after the final whistle, the lead has been cut to four and now Liverpool need to push United to the limits by winning the remaining nine games.

Well, if a season double over the reign champion and Chelsea in a football calendar wasn't enough to earn Liverpool the credits that has been overdued. I don't know what to say anymore? Manchester United were torn apart by the brilliant tactics of Rafa Benitez.

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

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Liverpool goes green for Europe

Liverpool new UEFA Champions League 2008/09 campaign football kit has been revealed. Next season, we'll dons green kit with black shorts and white socks.



Steven Gerrard is pictured wearing the new Liverpool European kit for the 2008-09 season, featuring adidas trademark technologies ClimaCool and ForMotion.

A close-up view of the newly launch kit are available for preview and pre-order.

What do you think of Liverpool's new European football kit?

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

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CL Quarter-finals

We got an all-English club for the Champions League quarter-finals and faced Arsenal 3 times in a space of a week. There is a possibility of facing Chelsea once again in the semi-final.

Quarter-finals
Q1 : Arsenal v LIVERPOOL (1st-02/04, 2nd-08/04)
Q2 : Roma v Manchester United (1st-01/04, 2nd-09/04)
Q3 : Schalke v Barcelona (1st-01/04, 2nd-09/04)
Q4 : Fenerbache v Chelsea (1st-02/04, 2nd-08/04)

Semi-finals
S1 : Arsenal/LIVERPOOL v Fenerbache/Chelsea
S2 : Schalke/Barcelona v Roma/Manchester United

What are your thoughts on this coming fixtures?


YNWA,
Red's Fury™

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Watch Torres breaks Inter's heart

Champions League Last 16, 2nd Leg @ San Siro, Milan

Inter Milan 0-1 Liverpool

(Liverpool won 3-0 on aggregate)

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

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The Super 16

You may call it tough luck or whatever you want. But I was looking forward to this Champions League grudge match with Inter Milan. During the draw process, the candidates that are in the pot were Sevilla, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Inter Milan after Barcelona was drawn against Celtic earlier. I was hoping for a rematch against AC Milan, but we got Inter instead.

Liverpool and Inter Milan only met once in European competition, way back in 1964/65 semi-finals of the European Champion Clubs' Cup. Liverpool triumphing 3-1 in the first leg at Anfield only for Inter to overturn that deficit with a 3-0 victory in the return, going on to lift the trophy for the second time in their history. Liverpool have won four of their six home games against Italian opposition, including their last two, but have tasted success just once in six visits to Italian teams. Inter, may have won only three of their nine trips to England, yet two of those victories came in their last two visits, in impressive fashion, 4-1 at Newcastle United and 3-0 at Arsenal.

The Reds will entertain the Italian champions in the first-leg on Tuesday, February 19 while the second-leg in Italy will be played on Tuesday, March 11 2008. And here are the rest of the last 16 draws for this year Champions League.

• Celtic v Barcelona
• Lyon v Mancheater United
• Schalke 04 v Porto
• Liverpool v Inter Milan
• Roma v Real Madrid
• Arsenal v AC Milan
• Olympiacos v Chelsea
• Fenerbahce v Sevilla
  

All matches will be play on 19/20 February and the return leg on 4/5 March, except Inter Milan home match which will be play on 11 March (Inter and AC Milan ground sharing).

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

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Reds run riot

Champions League

Liverpool 8-0 Besiktas

Liverpool 8-0 Besiktas Official Highlights (High Quality)
Uploaded by worldonlinetv

YNWA,

Red's Fury™

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UEFA still playing the blame game

Few days ago, UEFA brands Liverpool have the worst fans in Europe and now Michel Platini said the stadium security at fault, Greece turn to take the blames. A meeting between UEFA president Michel Platini and England sports minister Richard Caborn in Brussels, Belgium to establish a working party to look into ways of tightening security and crowd control ahead of next year's final.

UEFA spokesman, William Gaillard has revealed;

"The incidents involving Liverpool fans have been well known to us before the trouble at the Champions League final which involved Liverpool fans. That was just the latest example. What other set of fans steal tickets from their fellow supporters or out of the hands of children?"

And this is the same spokesman who praised our supporters for the well behaviour after the Istanbul final in 2005 and the semi-final victory against Chelsea last month. The war of words begun, Rick Parry countered with this statement;

"But at the end of the day Uefa can't hide from the fact that the match was played at a stadium not fit for football - no system checking numbers, no turnstiles, and the security was a joke."

Liverpool's co-owner, Tom Hicks said yesterday;

"Uefa did not handle this right at all. To give 17,000 tickets to the two teams, particularly knowing Liverpool are going to bring 40,000 fans, is insane. It's a classic case of a bureaucrat trying to take the pressure off himself. They didn't have proper ticketing procedures and unfortunately there were counterfeit tickets. There were fans who paid their hard-earned money to get their tickets and they get to the stadium and are told there is no more room. Are they (the fans) mad? Sure they're mad."

A Liverpool fan, Paul Gregory already issued a formal complaint to UEFA for reimbursement of his flights, accomodation and tickets by UEFA or risk facing legal action. Will UEFA reimburse Paul Gregory? He was one of the 5000 genuine tickets holder, if UEFA pay for the damages, 4999 will follow suits. Either way, the customer always right!

Back to the topic, the meeting held in Brussels was to receive the UEFA's report on their claims over the Athens final incidents. But the so-called report was 'confidential' according to William Gaillard. What the fu*k? What is he trying to cover up? If he dares to make such a statement, then why is he so afraid to show it to us?

Richard Caborn said;

“I told Uefa that there was no point in playing the blame game. We have to move on. I wanted assurances that Athens would not be repeated and that never again would any fans be put in this position. I got that assurance.”

William Gaillard's statement has infuriated many people and the Merseyside MPs called for his 'head on the gallows'. One of the MPs said;

“Gaillard knew exactly what he was saying. The bottom line is that the organisation was a shambles and it’s by the grace of God it didn’t turn out much worse. I don’t think he should resign – I think he should be sacked. For him to resign would be a way out with honour.”

"We, Liverpool's supporters NOT hooligans!"

YNWA,
Red's Fury™

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