If there is any further proof of Liverpool needing a top marksman in the team this summer, one could turn to watch the Reds' past 2 games and you could see the inadequacy among a group of well trained and fantastically organised team.At the end of the day, it's the score that matters.
But Liverpool, being oh so generous, escaped from being royally punished by a plucky Barcelona side, who were once again, stifled and found it hard to get any sort of momentum at Anfield. Perhaps surrounded by the infamous wall of noise within the 'Red Cauldron', their limbs were stiff and looked intimidated. The 12th men prevailed in the end.
With the two new owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett among the Anfield crowd to revel in the awesomeness of the support shown by the Kopites, they will be well pleased that they have someone in Rafa Benitez, who yet again came up with the plan that foiled Barcelona's dream of retaining the European Cup.
With Liverpool setting out the same first eleven just as they did on the reverse fixture a fortnight ago, Frank Rijkaard signaled his intent of grabbing a famous win at Anfield with an adventurous 3-4-3 tactics, the same one which they used to beat Real Zaragoza recently.
With the Kopites singing 'Fields of Anfield Road' at their top of their voices, Liverpool drew inspiration from the magical 'European Nights' and came out top for the first half of the game. They contained Barcelona, closed down spaces well, man-marked Ronaldinho, Eto'o and Messi out of the game, forced Valdes into making some huge saves and also rattled the crossbar twice.
John Arne Riise, who have been deployed as a left back most of the time, found his attacking instinct when Rafa placed him on the left of midfield instead. He fired a warning shot at Valdes' goal and found lots of space on the left. Not afraid to unleash his famous 'thunderbolt' shots, he was unlucky not to get on the score sheet.
Momo Sissoko must have felt total injustice as Liverpool fans held their breathe when Valdes' poor clearance was intercepted by the Malian and with no time to adjust, he took a pot shot at the vacated goal. It dipped, but not enough as it clips the crossbar and out.
Liverpool were on top for the first half as Barcelona could only find their fluidity within their own half as the Reds' midfielders, Xabi Alonso, Sissoko, Gerrard and Riise were everywhere to close down spaces, making life very difficult for Barcelona.Second half started just like the first, as Liverpool toiled on to find the all important goal which will quash any hope of a Barcelona comeback. Gerrard's brilliant cross was too high for Kuyt, who leaped like a salmon, but Bellamy, who was behind him, was too slow to react and it was yet another chance wasted.
But Barcelona began to dominate the game as they found more spaces and with Rijkaard throwing his kitchen sink at the Reds. They ended the game with Giuly, Gudjohnsen, Ronaldinho and Messi all as strikers.
Liverpool's wastefulness was nearly punished by a rather subdued Ronaldinho, who took his chance when the Reds' defence went to sleep. As he was one on one with Reina, the player voted world's best player could only hit it against the post. A scare for Liverpool but also a warning sign of things to come.
Eidur Gudjohnsen was sent on for Samuel Eto'o, who was kept quiet during the course of the match. The former Chelsea man will be remembered for that miss 2 years back when his shot flew right across the goal mouth.
But this time round, he didn't let Liverpool off the hook as he timed his run perfectly, rounded Jose Reina before slotting the ball into an empty net. Now the Anfield crowd started to get really nervous and it'll be an absolute nightmare if Barca were to score another.
But the crowd cheered them on, faithfully believing that Rafa's men will be able to stop the wave and go through safely.Peter Crouch nearly found the answer to the Kopites' prayer as Jermaine Pennant's cross was met by his outstretched leg, but he fired it over from 6 yards out. You'll think it's easier to score that miss it.
In the end, Liverpool held on to a famous victory, one in which vice captain, Jamie Carragher, announced as 'one of the best European result'. Although Barcelona did get the goal, they were nullified and were never really in control of the game. Liverpool stifled their 3 pronged attacking with effectiveness and organisation.
Praises will no doubt be heaped upon the immense performance of Jamie Carragher and his rear guards. He seemed to have found the hunger and form which won Liverpool the coveted European Cup 2 seasons ago and was there to cut out every pass, doing his famous last ditch tackles and keeping the back line tight.As the Liverpool fans sang 'We Dream Of A Team Of Carragher', it'll no doubt be a team which will be unbeaten. But don't bank on him to score the goals as his colleagues at the front line continue to misfire.
Drogballs' Player Ratings:
Reina (7) - Didn't have much to do but showed confidence and made the penalty box his
Finnan (8) - Went forward to provide width. Silenced Ronaldinho and a couple of great tackles
Carragher (9) - Tackles, interceptions, headers. Immense. Colossal (Man of the match)
Agger (7) - With Carra beside him, what does he need to do? Assured performance though
Arbeloa (7) - At fault for the goal as he played Gudjohnsen onside, but did well to mark Messi
Gerrard (capt) (8) - Threatened down the right and made impact. Should have scored
Alonso (7) - A couple of good tackles and found his range of passing
Sissoko (8) - Covered every blade of grass. Energetic and surprisingly composed at times
Riise (8) - Never afraid to take a shot. Found his attacking instinct and unlucky not to score
Bellamy (7) - Not as effective as the first leg
Kuyt (8) - Energetic, passionate and tried his best
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