Liverpool 1 Debreceni 0

Off to a good start!!! Having spoken about the importance of starting the Champions League in winning ways, Liverpool have done so with a 1-0 win over Hungarian champions Debreceni. It was not an easy win but the three points will be important. Gaining qualification as early as possible will enable the players to enjoy the group games after and concentrate in the league.

Against Debreceni, I thought Liverpool did well in dominating possession. However, Debreceni proved worthy opponents and worthy Champions League contestants as they were well organized and frustrated Liverpool by limiting the chances. They did not truly pack the penalty area but kept their formation well organized. With that, Liverpool found it very hard to penetrate or find space to break their defence. Benitez kept the same line up which beat Burnley but this time around, Benayoun and Kuyt had a harder job at hand. For Torres, he was marked closely again and did not have much room to run around. Gerrard was once again good at his job but he was just unable to put his shots on target.

"A Kuyt winner!"

I didn't watch the first-half but I am guessing it was very similar to the second-half. The only goal Liverpool managed to score came on injury time in the first-half. It was Kuyt who scored the winner as he again reacted quickest to a loose ball parried by the 'keeper. Torres had a shot and was not held on by the 'keeper and Kuyt had his foot on it to get the ball into the net.

Apart from that goal, I thought Debreceni did well to minimize Liverpool's chances. On a rare occasion, Benayoun had a wonderful dribble into their penalty area when his fine footwork got him pass 4 or 5 defenders but his shot was saved. It was truly a hard earned victory for Liverpool. However, to be able to start with three points will put Liverpool in a good position for qualification.

"Oh, you are cute but the ball's mine!"

This group has been tipped to be a rather comfortable group for Liverpool but I am guessing it could be close encounters in all the games. Liverpool should be able to win them all but I don't think most will come easy. I bet Liverpool will qualify but I will say I won't be surprised if any of the three teams qualify along. It won't necessary be Lyon who accompanies Liverpool.

Liverpool have now put together a row of wins. It will surely give the players confidence and I think they are now more comfortable playing with each other in the absence of Alonso. With an almost similar squad to last season, they shouldn't really take too long to gel and play well as a team. I think now we are starting to see a more settled side and they should really continue to build on it. Next up will be against West Ham. So come on, Reds!!!


"You'll Never Walk Alone"
p/s: Selamat Hari Raya to all Malaysians! =)