Liverpool 2 - 1 Dynamo Kiev

[Abs]

Liverpool took a step closer to the second stage of the Champions League by becoming the first English side ever to win in Kiev.

It was the perfect boost for manager Gerard Houllier as he recovers from open heart surgery after being taken ill on Saturday.

Goals from Danny Murphy and Steven Gerrard left Liverpool top of Group B following Boavista's defeat in Dortmund.

Houllier had settled on his team before being taken ill and adopted his usual cautious approach in Europe with Emile Heskey starting on his own up front.

But the visitors found life difficult early on against a Kiev side that needed a victory to have any chance of going through.

Assistant manager Phil Thompson, taking charge in Houllier's absence, saw keeper Jerzy Dudek called into action on a number of occasions.

The Pole reacted smartly to turn over a Olexander Khatkevich free-kick in the 13th minute after Stephane Henchoz had brought down the lively Florin Chernat.

He then gathered a Olexander Melashchenko shot before twice denying Valentyn Belkevich in the 22nd minute.

At the other end Heskey worked hard to put pressure on the Kiev defenders and Vladimir Smicer found space on the left but Liverpool created little in the way of chances.

That all changed moments after Chernat had curled a free-kick just wide of Dudek's goal.

Gerrard picked up possession wide on the right and played in a perfect ball for Murphy who beat Vitaly Reva with a nonchalant side-foot finish from six yards.

Kiev came out strongly after the break and drew level just before the hour mark when a high ball hoisted in to the box found Tiberi Ghioane unmarked at Dudek's back post

It was the first real mistake the Liverpool defence, marshalled superbly by Hyppia, had made, but it was not to prove too costly.

Just seven minutes later Smicer's header from Patrick Berger's ball found Gerrard who fired in a left-foot shot that clipped off Goran Gavrancic and into the far corner of the ne t.

Liverpool were content to sit back after that and Kiev struggled to break them down.

Cernat found the net in stoppage time but his effort was ruled out for offside and Liverpool were left celebrating yet another famous night in Europe.

[mhnew]

Go Liverpool go.

Did Fowler get a chance in the game?

[SNOOPY]

SEEING AS YOUR CHATTING ABOUT CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOOTIE

ON THE SAME NIGHT AS LIVERPOOLS WIN, ARSENAL WON ALSO

ARSENAL 2- PANATHINAIKOS 1 ( 2 GOALS BY HENRY)

[yasmin]

Yawn.....

How fascinating.

Now for something that cheer every one up.

BORO 2 Mackams 0!!!

CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!

[Star]

Originally posted by yasmin
Yawn.....

How fascinating.

Now for something that cheer every one up.

BORO 2 Mackams 0!!!

CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!

Yep we should all take time to be humble and reflect on how the less-fortunate in this world make do with little pleasures...sigh.

[Abs]

Originally posted by mhnew
Go Liverpool go.

Did Fowler get a chance in the game?

Nope, but he played against Boro ..... Sorry Leicester last Saturday cos Owen woz still injured....... AND FOWLER GOT A HATRICK

Redknapp should soon be upto full fitness, as well as Owen.

I favour us very heavily to win the league dis season.... and Boro to go da Champions League

Look Yazo.... all small teams have a bit of luck... hence our victory over Leicester.


[Edited by yasmin on 26th October 2001 at 07:05]