Standard Liege 0 – 0 Liverpool

Liverpool’s place in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League is far from certain following a goalless draw in the first leg of their third round qualifier with Standard Liege.

The Reds won the competition in 2005, to add to four previous successes in the European Cup, and Rafa Benitez’s side are eager to repeat those heroics this season.

But they were forced to survive a real scare at Stade Maurice Dufrasne as Belgian champions Standard dictated the tempo from start to finish and Liverpool looked well off the pace.

Benitez named Steven Gerrard among his substitutes as he decided the midfielder had not sufficiently recovered from his recent thigh strain and the Reds missed their inspirational captain as Standard dominated the first half.

After only 10 minutes Jose Reina was fortunate to scoop a Fellaini header off the line and shortly after the Liverpool goalkeeper was called on to save a Bonfim da Costa Dante penalty after debutant Andrea Dossena was harshly adjudged to have handled inside the 18-yard area.

After the interval Standard continued to enjoy the better of proceedings as Liverpool’s strike partnership of Robbie Keane and Fernando Torres failed to threaten when offered limited service.

However, Standard were unable to find a way past Reina and the result sets up a knock-out meeting in the return leg at Anfield on 27th August.

Source: Sky Sports