Real Madrid 0 Liverpool 1

Bernabeu, Checked! A solitary goal from Yossi secured another famous win for Liverpool. On a European Night, it seems to suggest that Liverpool are secured to give a great performance which will go down well in history. Forget about what's happening in the league. This match showed what won Liverpool the Champions League in 2005 - resilience, patience, commitment, discipline, and concentration.

"Great defensive discipline!"

While people talk about the attractive attacking football usually displayed by M*n U*d and Arsenal which make them successful, Liverpool's is the disciplined football they display. This partially explains why they do better in Europe or cup football than in league. In the league, if you play as such against lesser teams, the football will be dreadful. In the league, Liverpool are denied to play as such and sometimes it becomes the downfall for Liverpool as they are forced to play a system which is not custom to Liverpool. When they win, it is their quality which pulls them through. When they don't, it is their unfamiliarity in playing a more open game.

"Yossi on top of his game!"

Back to Madrid, Liverpool played well and was in control most of the match. The players denied Madrid to only a few chances and most of them are from long range. On the other end, Liverpool have some players who were able to penetrate their defence. One of them was Benayoun who played well on the night. Not only was he daring to go forward against Real's defenders he also made some good movements around their box and was able to dribble pass their defenders.

In the first half, Liverpool had two good chances but Torres and Benayoun failed to score from them due to the alert Iker Casillas. However, Iker was beaten in the second half when Benayoun scored from a header near the end of game. Heinze made a stupid foul on Kuyt and Liverpool won the game from the free kick. Aurelio took the free kick beautifully and Benayoun made no mistake from his header.

"Key player at the moment?"

Despite this win, which was euphoric, it is clear to everyone that it is only half time. There are still 90 minutes to play and Real Madrid is a quality team which won't be too affected by the Anfield crowd. It is an advantage for Liverpool now to play the second leg at Anfield and holding a lead. However, the lead is slender and Liverpool need to play to win at Anfield.

Before the game, one thing is already for sure. The Anfield crowd will make it another memorable European Night. On the night, they will aim to blow off the roof again. I am eager to watch and enjoy the game. Let's all hope the ending is something we all can smile upon. Come on, Reds!


"You'll Never Walk Alone"