…….Champions League and UEFA Cup

Rafa Benitez’s side was obviously not up to par in their recent 1-nil loss to Marseille. Without key player and veteran Jeremie Pennant (who was sent off in Liverpool’s first matchday fixture forcing him to sit this match), Liverpool looked generally lost on the pitch. Several times through balls were played to Fernando Torres with just a touch too much pace. Peter Crouch, while working hard, was almost invisible in the major portions of the game, and did nothing but a blatantly missed volley opportunity in the box and a few attempted headers from outside the 18.

Liverpool now has one point to show for it’s effort (or lack thereof) in their first two match days. The score, coming on a 20-yard strike from Mathieu Valbeuna in the 77th minute. Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina was out of position on the play, right at his six, and had no shot on the perfectly placed ball. As the ball headed upper 90, Liverpool turned around with 15 minutes to come back. Steven Gerrard had many nice chances, but none on frame. The play of the game for Liverpool undoubtedly came in the 92nd minute, as, in a frantic last chance, Gerrard played a wonderful through ball to Dirk Kuyt, but Marseille keeper Mamadou Niang proved to be better as he smothered the ball. Torres had a shot, but struck the post.