Talk lfc match report

by Anthony Jones at Talklfc

We were the Champions, Champions of Europe doesn't have quite the ring that the song sung by the Liverpool faithful for much of the season had. However a change of lyrics is required as Liverpool's Champions League campaign ended in disappointing fashion. Anfield had attempted to raise another great European night yet despite a promising start Liverpool lost their way and with it their right to defend their European crown.

Liverpool were dealt a double selection blow with both Hyypia and Riise ruled out of this match. It was the first time in fifty eight matches that Hyypia did not feature in a European lineup for the Reds and with Daniel Agger cup-tied Djimi Traore was given the task of filling the big Finn's boots whilst Stephen Warnock came in at left back. Luis Garcia, with a record of five goals in his previous seven games was recalled on the right with Gerrard and Alonso being flanked by Kewell on the left. Benitez opted to select Morientes ahead of Fowler to partner Crouch hoping that the taller Spaniard would offer an aerial threat.

Not for the first time in a match Liverpool started brightly. Sadly the trend of not making early domination count continued as chances came and went. Liverpool opened up space in the Benfica area and Peter Crouch's shot looped up from a deflection and hit the outside of the post. From the resulting corner Garcia forced a smart save from Moretto in the Benfica goal though the ball bounced to Carragher. Sections of the crowd were up in celebration as Carragher's effort rippled the net but it soon became evident that it was the outside not the inside that had been troubled.

Another opportunity presented itself when a clever run from Crouch opened up space in which Finnan moved into with the ball. The defender steadied himself but in doing so allowed Anderson time to slide across and eventually block his shot. Luis Garcia then brilliantly controlled a long diagonal pass and played a clever one two with Morientes. Running onto the return pass Garcia failed to keep his composure with his effort further hindered by a bobbling ball, the resulting strike flew well over the cross bar. It was a scary reminder of the all too regular recent story of profligate finishing. It got worse shortly after as Steven Gerrard made a rousing run through the middle of the Benfica defence moving the ball into the path of Peter Crouch who was clean through. The strikers effort though was aimed straight at the keeper who made an easy save.

Whilst Liverpool were clearly the dominant force, Benfica senses opportunity especially down the Liverpool left. Neither Traore nor Warnock were showing any command of their opponent and in doing so were undermining the efforts further upfield and providing hope for the Portuguese side. If any reminder of this weakness was required it was nearly dangerously shown up as Geovanni was afforded too much space and his dipping volley rattled Reina's crossbar and from the rebound Simao headed straight at the keeper.

Liverpool failed to heed the warning though and the all important opening goal arrived via the left side. A ball forward should have been cut out by Traore but he slipped pushing Liverpool onto the back foot. Carragher as usual was there to cut out the attack, he then however took too long to clear and was forced to stab the ball away. Benfica quickly latched onto this and the ball arrived at the feet of Simao on the edge of the box left of centre. Stepping inside Finnan he then hit a wonderful strike that arrowed over the outstretched arm of Reina and into the top corner. The atmosphere at Anfield which had slowly been evaporating along with the confidence of the fans was suddenly shot down with that one crushing blow.

An equaliser was nearly gifted back to Liverpool almost immediately after as a wicked cross from Gerrard was volleyed by Beto but rather than flying clear it travelled just over the top of the crossbar. Another corner into the area found the head of Carragher but his powerful header again tested the outside of the bar rather than the inside of the netting.

If the first half had been frustrating then for Benitez, the players and the fans the second half was painfully disappointing. Desperate to get back into the game, Liverpool lost their control, shape and direction. Benfica, well organised and hardworking were denying Liverpool any great opportunity to fight their way into the game. Harry Kewell was making little impact on the left and was eventually replaced. Fernando Morientes again looked as though he was watching the game a second behind everyone else as he generally arrived late to the action areas. Garcia was having a frustrating night whilst Gerrard and Alonso both showed admirable drive but couldn't consistently dictate the game. Djibril Cisse was brought on down the right but rarely looked like getting a cross into the box, too often hitting the ball straight at the defender in front of him. Benitez withdrew Morientes for Fowler and Warnock for Hamann but to little great effect. Chances did come, from set pieces, but Carragher headed over whilst Fowler completed a recent hat-trick of phantom goals, deflecting the ball home from a corner that was adjuged to have gone out of play in flight.

Late on, with Liverpool pushing forward leaving the increasingly uncertain Traore alone at the back Benfica confirmed their place in the next round as Miccoli showed good technique to finish off the tie. Many football fans believe that luck balances itself out in football, and this game might just have been payback for the fortune Liverpool took advantage of last season.

The concern now for Liverpool is the way in which a promising season is in danger of ending in something of a damp squib. Out of Europe and conceding ground to Manchester United in the league recently the positive mood around the club at Christmas has been replace by a depressed end to the winter period. The last ten games have seen seven goals and a great deal of frustration in the way Liverpool have played. The concern has to be that whereas earlier in the season Liverpool were capable of pressurising opponents for ninety minutes, since the trip to Japan Liverpool's attacking play has been far less consistent. Whilst the midfield domination has tended to remain, the dynamic approach is not there on a regular enough basis. Steven Gerrard is increasingly becoming a peripheral figure in periods of games where he was previously the centre of attention whilst few others are standing up and taking the slack. With Benitez in charge there is every chance Liverpool will rise above this disappointment but the fear has to be that even his powers of persuasion cannot mask the weaknesses that still remain in the squad and the fatigue that seems increasingly evident.

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