Benayoun hands Reds vital lead over Real
Benayoun scored a vital goal for Liverpool in Madrid
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Wednesday, 25, Feb 2009 11:07
Yossi Benayoun has given Liverpool a crucial 1-0 lead after the first leg of their Champions League clash with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
The Reds were on the back foot for much of the match with Fernando Torres struggling to plough a lone furrow up front before being substituted in the second half, while captain Steven Gerrard started from the bench.
For all Madrid's greater possession the home side were far from their inspirational best and were left to regret their lack to urgency when Benayoun headed in Liverpool's winner from a free-kick ten minutes from time.
Liverpool created two early chances from long balls but Real goalkeeper Iker Cassilas saved Torres' shot from a tight angle before racing off his line to deny Benayoon.
Rafael Benitez's side then suffered a scare when Madrid thought they had scored, only to have it disallowed for a marginal offside.
Pepe Reina saved a Sergio Ramos' header before Gonzalo Higuain put in the rebound, but he was judged to have been just ahead of the last defender when Ramos attempted his original effort.
Madrid were focussing much of their attacking play down the left flank but former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben was having an inconsistent night.
Although he showed some pace and good touches his final delivery was not creating chances for Higuain and Raul.
Meanwhile Liverpool's cause was not being helped by a visibly struggling Torres who appeared to have a foot injury.
Despite these concerns the Reds striker took the field for the start of the second half. Liverpool continued to pump long balls up to the Spaniard which allowed them to keep Real at arms length.
It was not until after the hour-mark that the home side forced a save from Reina. Robben unleashed a swerving effort that the Reds goalkeeper did well to tip over the bar.
Then, with eight minutes remaining Liverpool were rewarded for their stoic defending. Fabio Aurelio swung in a free-kick from the edge of the area and Benayoun met it at the far post and steered his header past Cassilas.