Liverpool take a point at PSV
Rafael Benitez returns to Anfield with an away draw to his credit
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Tuesday, 12, Sep 2006 11:08
Liverpool came away from their first game in the Champions League proper with a point after a 0-0 draw at PSV Eindhoven.
Both teams rattled the woodwork in a game with few clear-cut chances as Galatasaray and Bordeaux also drew a blank in the other Group C encounter.
Manager Rafael Benitez made sweeping changes to the team that slumped to a 3-0 derby defeat to Everton at the weekend, with Peter Crouch and Robbie Fowler making way for new signings Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy up front.
Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso were also left watching from the bench as Ivory Coast striker Arouna Kone crashed a shot off Jose Reina's bar in the hosts' best chance of the first half.
Benitez's changes seems to have increased his side's attacking threat and Bellamy and Jermaine Pennant combined well to lay on a chance for Brazilian Fabio Aurelio.
However his attempt fizzed wide of both Gomes' goal and the inrushing Kuyt.
For the most part the visitors' defence held secure as playmaker Edison Mendez probed and plotted to try and create an opening for PSV throughout the second half.
Daniel Agger, preferred to the ageing Sami Hyypia, staked a strong claim for a regular first-team place as he forged a promising partnership with Jamie Carragher.
Gerrard, as so often, nearly won the game in dramatic style for the Reds as he saw a half-volley thump the post in the game's dying minutes.
But ultimately a share of the spoils was a fair outcome from an uninspiring game.