Robbie Keane’s first-half goal for Liverpool was cancelled out by Simao’s late strike at the Vicente Calderon Stadium as both teams settled for a point in the Champions League clash played out in Madrid. Fernando Torres was forced to miss-out on the homecoming at the Vicente Calderon due to injury. The forward, who had looked forward to the tie in Madrid, remained on Merseyside recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered with Spain. Although the forward did not take part in the Group D game, both sets of supporters dedicated chants to striker Fernando Torres following the final whistle of an entertaining 1-1 draw in Madrid.

The first-half was one-way traffic as Liverpool bossed Atletico from the opening minute. The Reds though only had one goal to show for all their early dominance. In the 14th minute, Keane collected a Gerrard pass before sliding the ball past Leo Franco.

Atletico Madrid were lucky to go in at the break one nil down as both Xabi Alonso and Robbie Keane had chances to extend the Reds’ lead before the interval.

The second forty-five minute period saw Atletico on top as Liverpool looked to defend their slender lead. Fernando Torres’ old team hit the woodwork and had a goal disallowed for off-side before Simao finally gained an equaliser for the home side with a goal seven minutes from time.

The draw leaves the two teams level on points at the top of Group D. The other group clash ended 2-0 to PSV Eindhoven, who move up to third with three points, with Marseille remaining bottom with cero points.


- Match Stats: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Liverpool

Atletico Madrid: Leo Franco, Seitaridis, Perea, Alvaro Dominguez, Lopez, Simao, Maniche Camacho (Raul Garcia, 71), Luis Garcia (Agüero, 46), Forlan, Sinama-Pongolle (Miguel de las Cuevas, 73).

Booked: Maniche

Goals: Simao, 83

Liverpool: Reina Arbeloa, Agger, Carragher, Dossena, Benayoun, Mascherano, Alonso (Leiva, 73), Riera, Keane (Kuyt, 53), Gerrard (Babel, 60).

Booked: Riera, Arbeloa

Goals: Keane, 14