Liverpool had to wait until the 81st minute to finally unlock a stubborn Romanian defence in the first-leg of the Europa League clash at Anfield. A solitary strike from Ngog with just under ten minutes remaining made sure that the Reds carry a lead into next week’s return-leg.

The Merseysiders raced out of the blocks and Unirea keeper Arlauskis was forced into making an excellent save from Steven Gerrard. The opening stages were one-way traffic but a very defensive Urziceni managed to weather the early storm.

The Romanians were playing with a 4-5-1 formation and the home side were finding it difficult to break down the visitor’s defence. The Reds continued to dominate possession as both Aurelio and Kuyt shot just wide.

The corners were mounting up as Gerrard failed to hit the target with a header. David Ngog came close to breaking the deadlock but his goalbound shot was deflected behind.

The Frenchman also had a shot held by Arlauskis as the home side started to turn the screw, but the Romanians managed to hold on to go in level at the break.

Liverpool started the second period in control once again, but the tempo slowly dropped as Unirea defended in numbers, suffocating the home midfield.

The Romanians had been anonymous in attack throughout the contest and they had to wait until the hour mark for their first effort on goal. Luckily for the Reds, Pauretu blasted over from a good position.

The Merseysiders enjoyed their best spell with just under 20 minutes remaining but Skrtel headed over the bar and Ngog had another shot blocked.

Apostol had a good chance to grab a shock lead for Unirea but his curled effort flew wide, and the visitors were made to pay just sixty seconds later.

Second-half substitutes Babel and Pacheco linked up as the latter headed Babel’s cross towards Ngog, who nodded the ball into the back of the net.

A Gerrard drive whistled past the post as Liverpool came close to doubling the home team’s lead. The second goal of the night failed to arrive as match ended 1-0 to Rafa Benitez’ side.


- Match Stats: Liverpool 1-0 Unirea Urziceni

Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Aurelio, Mascherano, Aquilani (Pacheco, 75), Kuyt, Gerrard, Riera (Babel, 63), Ngog (Lucas, 90)

Booked: Mascherano

Goals: Ngog 81

Unirea Urziceni: Arlauskis, Maftei, Galamaz, Bruno Fernandes, Brandan, Paraschiv (Vilana, 86), Onofras (Marinescu, 75), Paduretu (Rusescu, 90) Apostol, Frunza, Bilasco

Booked: Bruno Fernandes, Brandan