Fernando Torres had a hand in the Merseysider’s first goal as Liverpool kicked-off their Champions League campaign with maximum points with a hard-fought 2-1 win in Marseille.

Liverpool showed their intent from the kick-off with two early efforts from Torres and Gerrard. The two players, who returned to a starting line-up following injury, both came close to giving the Merseysiders the lead in the opening minutes.

The Anfield number ‘9’ was the first to test Steve Mandanda in the Marseille goal with an excellent far-post header. The French keeper however managed to pull-off a superb one-handed save. It was then Steven Gerrard’s turn to try his luck, but just as the midfielder’s effort looked headed for the bottom corner, Mandanda managed to get a hand on the ball.

Somewhat against the run of play, Olympique Marseille broke the deadlock with a well-worked goal in the 23rd minute. Benoit Cheyrou, brother of ex-Red Bruno, sliced open Liverpool’s back four with an excellent pass over the top which Cana collecting before placing the ball past Pepe Reina.

The home side’s lead though did not last long as Liverpool drew level three minutes later. Fernando Torres showed his fighting spirit by regaining possession on the half-way line before bringing the ball forward; the Spaniard found Kuyt who played the ball to Steve Gerrard for the Red captain to curl home a brilliant right-footed shot past Steve Mandada.

1-1 became 2-1 for the Reds five minutes later as Steven Gerrard slotted home from the spot after Ryan Babel was brought down in the box by Ronald Zubar. The lead was richly deserved as the Merseysiders were looking like the home team at the Velodrome Stadium.

Following the restart, the French outfit pressed forward in search of an equaliser. Reina though was not called into action until the 63rd minute when the Liverpool shot-stopper trapped a header from Hilton following a Marseille corner.

Rafa Benitez decided to bring on a fresh pair of legs in the 65th minute as the Anfield boss brought on Riera for Fernando Torres. The Spanish forward had a positive return to action, having a hand in the first goal and leading the Red attack from the front.

Liverpool could and should have stretched their lead with just under 15 minutes remaining, but the Babel’s close-range effort was somehow saved by Mandada.

Niang had Olympique Marseille’s final chance but his glanced header floated just wide as the Merseysiders held on for a valuable win in their opening Champions League group game.


Match Stats: Olympique Marseille 1-2 Liverpool

Marseille: Mandanda, Bonnart, Zubar, Hilton, Taiwo, Cana, Cheyrou, Kone (Samassa, 71), M'Bami, Ben Arfa (Ziani, 57), Niang.

Booked: Zubar

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Skrtel, Carragher, Dossena, Gerrard (Benayoun, 69), Mascherano, Leiva Lucas, Kuyt (Keane, 86), Torres (Riera, 65), Babel.

Booked: Skrtel, Lucas