Dirk Kuyt's extended right leg delivered Liverpool from Champions League exile just two minutes from facing a penalty kick showdown against Standard Liege. The second leg of this Champions League 3rd Round Qualifier was ended when the Dutchman poked in a fantastic cross, from countryman, Ryan Babel, placating the anxiety-ridden Anfield crowd.
The first leg between the two sides saw a dreadful Liverpool performance only yield a 0-0 draw for Standard. The Belgian side deserved more after having what looked to be a goal, called off, having a penalty saved, and hitting the post. Liverpool's chances were few and far between.
Wednesday's second leg saw the Reds once again struggling to find the net against the Belgian Champions. Standard Liege stood up to Gerrard, Torres, and company time and again, with physical play and a withdrawn midfield. The game was free flowing and open, if not exciting, and there were few stoppages in the first half.
The first chance saw Pepe Reina make a save on good low shot from the right by Dieumerci Mbokani. Mbokani missed out on a chance later after a ball fell to him in the box, and Riena made a nice save as the ball came to Maroaune Fellaini. Fellaini was a force in the midfield all night, on both sides off the pitch. He was joined by Wilfred Dalmot and Bonfim Dante, two left sided players who also had great first halves. Dante, in particular stood up to the Liverpool attack on the right, and showed wonderful control on the ball going forward.
Fabio Aurelio had a chance mid way through the first half, his in swinging free kick from the right side being punched out by Standard keeper Rorys Aragon. The Reds had pressure, but no true chances during the first half and the frustration was beginning to show on the pitch and in the stands. American international, Oguchi Onyewu, tormented, an obviously bothered Fernando Torres, all night. Sticking at his side and throwing a shoulder into him whenever possible.
The first half ended 0-0, and the second brought increased physicality from Standard, as a few yellow cards were thrown. They seemed content to sit back and frustrate the Reds by turning back any whiff of an offensive opportunity. The counter attack provided hope that they could sneak one in the first, but Skrtel and Carragher pretty took control by the 60th minute.
Ryan Babel came on in the 61st minute for Benayoun, but failed to stretch the Standard backs.
The Liverpool attack was controlled, but failed to generate any significant chances. Gerrard's few opportunities were long range efforts sent high over the bar. The same for Alonso, his big effort skimming harmlessly into the keeper's mitts. Another sub-par Robbie Keane performance saw him subbed for Nabil El Zhar at the 83rd minute.
Liverpool's efforts brought only possession domination, as the second half drew to a close.
The first period of extra time wasn't much more exciting than the second half. With the visitors seeming confident on their back line and content to counter attack. The tension at Anfield was palpable, with each errant Liverpool miscue drawing sighs from around the stadium.
The second extra time period was more positive for Liverpool, as they began to get desperate. Arbeloa shot, headed wide, was turned away by a full stretched Aragon. El Zhar was taken down in the box, but the official didn't see fit to end the game with a penalty, as he corked it and swallowed his whistle. Babel, dribbling on the far left side, back in from the end line, sent an in swinging cross toward the far post that Kuyt reached out and slid past the keeper for the victory, 2 minutes from time.
Liverpool saved millions of dollars of Champions League money, along with a heavy, embarrassing start to their 2008/09 campaign. How do they do this stuff? Why do they do it? It wasn't enough to get one point from three games in the group stage last year, making the last three games, heart attacks waiting to happen. Hopefully they will not mess around with likes of Besiktas and Marseille this go 'round.
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