Gerrard strike sends Liverpool into knockout stages
Gerrard's goal sealed Liverpool's place in the last 16
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Wednesday, 26, Nov 2008 10:42
Steven Gerrard scored a first-half header at Anfield to secure Liverpool's place in the knockout stage of the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Marseille.
Despite finishing on top it was far from plain sailing for Rafael Benitez's men who surrendered a number of good scoring opportunities to their travelling opponents.
The Reds created their two best chances within three minutes midway through the first half and Gerrard was able to convert one of them.
Dirk Kuyt missed the first chance after Fernando Torres has sent in a perfect cross for the Dutchman, who conspired to head the ball straight at Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda who grabbed the ball at the second attempt.
Moments later Xabi Alonso escaped down the flank and sent in a cross to the far post. This time Gerrard made no mistake and headed firmly past Mandanda.
After that Marseille dominated the goalscoring chances. They went close at the end of the first half when midfielder Taye Taiwo fired in a long-range shot which Pepe Reina did well to tip onto the post.
From the resulting corner Ronaldo Zubar had a free header but failed to find the target.
Liverpool continued to hold on to their lead by the narrowest of margins after half time.
Hatem Ben Arfa was at the heart of many Marseille attacks and he almost set up Benoit Cheyrou but the cross just evaded him as he slid in on goal.
Reina then had to be alert once more as Ben Arfa tested him with a free kick which the Spanish goalkeeper tipped over the bar.
With ten minutes remaining Marseille created another good chance only for Mamadou Niang to head wastefully wide of the goal – much to the relief of the home crowd.
The Reds are currently in second place behind Athletico Madrid in group D but are level on 11 points with the Spanish side.
In the final group games Liverpool take on PSV Eindhoven while Marseille will provide the challenge for Athletico to see who can finish top of the group.