Liverpool sink champions at Camp Nou
Bellamy scored the first on the way to a famous victory
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Wednesday, 21, Feb 2007 11:28
Liverpool secured a famous 2-1 victory over Barcelona at the Camp Nou with strikes from Craig Bellamy in the first half and John Arne Riise late in the second period.
Ironically both players had been implicated in a late-night scuffle at the team's training trip to the Algarve but all that was put aside as the Reds claimed a famous win.
Barcelona took the lead after 15 minutes through Anderson Deco. Gianluca Zambrotta's cross found the Portuguese international free in the penalty area and he headed the Catalans in front.
The goal sparked the home side into action and they dominated possession and territory for the majority of the half.
They came closest to adding a second again through Deco. Jose Reina made a good save to deny him at the first attempt and the midfielder put the follow-up wide of the right post.
Liverpool clawed their way back into the match just before half time when Craig Bellamy's header crept over the line. Steve Finnan crossed and the Welshman's effort sneaked past the helpless Victor Valdes.
In the second period both sides created chances to add to the scoreline. The Reds were awarded a free-kick after 66 minutes and Steven Gerrard tested Valdes with a strong shot which he parried to Dirk Kuyt who put the ball over the bar.
Javier Saviola then wasted an excellent chance for Barcelona as he broke clear in the penalty area but Reina denied him and Alvaro Arbeloa blocked Lionel Messi's follow up.
Riise then grabbed the dramatic winner 15 minutes from time after a poor clearance from Rafael Marquez fell to Bellamy who found the Norwegian in open space to slot home.
The only downside for the Reds was a late injury to Mohammed Sissoko who was carried off ten minutes from time.