UCL RESULTS – MATCHDAY 7

REIGNING CHAMPIONS HARD DONE BY AS THEY GO DOWN TO BENFICA
 

Defending champions Liverpool concede their first goal in Champions league football since September thanks to a rather ordinary perfomance by the REDS. The Reds lost to Benfica at Lisbon thanks to a late goal from Brazilian defender Luisao. Rafa Benitez surprised everyone by leaving out Steven Gerrard and Didi Hamann. Rafa went with the strike partnership of Fowler and Morientes.

Liverpool clearly made the better start as Robbie Fowler was involved in two decent chances. But the Benfica defence were alert and denied Liverpool the goal. Just 26 minutes into the game and Liverpool suffered their first setback as mid fielder Beto rashly tackled Sissoko in the eye. The African was to be carried off in a stretcher and the injury was looking very serious. Hamann was the substitute. The first half ended with both teams still not properly settled in the game. The second half saw a more attacking approach from the home side as they kept most of the possession and drew many fouls from Liverpool. Benfica were very good with dead ball situations and Simao and Petit both had their opportunities as their free kicks sailed over the bar.

Rafa was running out of options so he brought on Cisse and Captain Stevie G but even they couldn’t do much as Benfica were solid at the back. A rather boring match then sprung into action in the last 10 minutes as Benfica were really taking the match by the throat. The goal came from a set piece as Petit’s free kick was headed in by defender Luisao. The goal came in the 84^th minute of the match. Some poor defending by Sami Hyypia as he failed to check Luisao’s run. Liverpool then pressed for the away goal but were fruitless as Benfica got the priceless victory.

Liverpool giving away too many set pieces as Benfica took the win. The defending champions will now have to raise their game at Anfield and not concede so that they can advance in this competition. The second leg will take place at Anfield in 15 days’ time and Liverpool will be looking to set their game straight. Benfica will have to play their natural game and just try for the away goal.