Beaten Liverpool progress to CL Group Stages

Liverpool scraped through to the lucrative group stages of the Champions League after an 1-0 defeat against CSKA Sofia saw them progress 3-2 on aggregate. Full Match Report

MATCH REVIEW BY BENNYC

I was working, so was unable to see the first half. I did however manage to sneak the second half in. (On video boss if you are reading this...) Which, by all accounts was the half to see.

It was by no means a classic European night at Anfield. The crowd seeming a little subdued for much of the game.

Barring the result, we didn't seem to ever be troubled and in patches were moving the ball about very, very well.

Riise ran his legs off and should have got a couple of goals.

Not sure what is wrong with Nando at the minute, but I think he is having some sort of crisis of confidence. His movement and passing was good, but he resigned mostly to a midfield role, thus isolating Cisse.

In the end we were making some great chances but were a bit toothless up front.

Not taking anything away from CSKA though, Valentin Iliev was immense and, as well as the goal, made some great challenges and interceptions. The keeper was good too.

Any other day we should have had a hatful.

The result was a disappointment. The second half display (in places) was phenomenal. We just need to sustain it over 90 mins.....encouraging signs still.

I have never believed managers when they say "this player is the next...." but Momo Sissoko reminded me of a very young Patrick Viera.....the boy was good.

All things considered it still looks good for the future...

RAFA HOPES FOR A GOOD OMEN DESPITE DEFEAT
Rafael Benitez felt Liverpool were unlucky to lose 1-0 to CSKA Sofia at Anfield and preferred to look to last season as a good omen when the Reds lost a match to Grazer AK and then went on to win the Champions League.

Meanwhile, here are some photos from the game last night. If you have more, please email them to dan.thisisanfield@gmail.com (without watermarks only)