Liverpool stunned by Marseille
Crouch failed to impress in a rare outing for the Reds
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Wednesday, 03, Oct 2007 10:31
Marseille shocked Liverpool at Anfield winning their Champions League fixture 1-0 to end the Reds' unbeaten start to the season.
The French side won thanks to a superb strike from midfielder Mathieu Valbuena whose shot left Pepe Reina with no chance as it brushed the inside of the post on its way in.
Liverpool lacked cohesion for most of the game and only threatened in the latter stages having gone behind.
Fernando Torres had their best chance of the first half but his heavy touch saw the opportunity slip away in the opening minutes.
Marseille continually threatened. Mamadou Niang forced Reina into a number of saves as he drove the ball fiercely towards the Liverpool goal.
The Reds were grateful to see the offside flag go up midway through the half when Karim Ziani finished from Niang's cross only to have the goal disallowed.
Peter Crouch started the game for the home side but was not at his best and was replaced midway through the second half by Dirk Kuyt.
That change failed to have the desired effect and the Reds were behind soon after. Valbuena picked the ball up 20 yards from goal and smashed it into the top corner.
Liverpool failed to convert two good headed chances in the final ten minutes, Sami Hyypia's effort went wide while Yossi Benayoun saw his header get defected on its way towards goal.
Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda spilled a shot late in the game but Torres could only strike the post having done well to get to the follow-up.
The Reds are currently third in their group on one point from two matches.