Debut goals hand Reds advantage
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Debut goals from Craig Bellamy and Mark Gonzalez handed Liverpool a hard-fought 2-1 win over Maccabi Haifa in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round first leg.
Liverpool lined up with just one up front at Anfield - new signing Bellamy roving ahead of a five-man midfield, and, despite enjoying long periods of possession, Rafa Benitez's side fashioned few chances early on.
John Arne Riise fizzed a shot wide, before Maccabi caught the hosts on the break with 30 minutes gone - Gustavo Bokoli silencing the home supporters with a well-taken goal.
Playing a one-two with Roberto Colautti, the fleet-footed player raced beyond The Reds' backline, who appealed in vain for an offside flag, and dispatched a low shot beyond Jose Reina's right hand.
Maccabi's lead lasted just four minutes, however, as Bellamy notched a goal on his Reds debut.
Steven Gerrard teed up Mo Sissoko on the edge of the box - the midfielder brought an unconvincing parry from Nir Davidovitch, and there was Bellamy to mop up and shoot the ball into the roof of the net.
Liverpool began the second half with greater intent than they had the first - Bolo Zenden shot wide, having been spotted by Gerrard, while Jermaine Pennant began to grow in influence.
However, the hosts were almost caught napping at the back once again. Colautti got goal side of Finnan to head a bobbling effort inches wide of the post.
Benitez withdrew Bellamy for Peter Crouch and The Reds proceeded to offer a more direct threat in a bid to establish a first leg lead.
Crouch's header missed by a whisker in the 76th minute and Pennant's deflected free kick drew a save from Davidovitch three minutes later.
Just as it appeared Liverpool would be frustrated, up popped substitute Gonzalez in the 88th minute to fire a shot into the Haifa net, after Crouch had flicked on Xabi Alonso's pass.
Haifa still threatened and may even have equalised had it not been for Reina blocking Colautti, but The Reds can now take a slender advantage into a second leg to be staged at a neutral venue
Liverpool lined up with just one up front at Anfield - new signing Bellamy roving ahead of a five-man midfield, and, despite enjoying long periods of possession, Rafa Benitez's side fashioned few chances early on.
John Arne Riise fizzed a shot wide, before Maccabi caught the hosts on the break with 30 minutes gone - Gustavo Bokoli silencing the home supporters with a well-taken goal.
Playing a one-two with Roberto Colautti, the fleet-footed player raced beyond The Reds' backline, who appealed in vain for an offside flag, and dispatched a low shot beyond Jose Reina's right hand.
Maccabi's lead lasted just four minutes, however, as Bellamy notched a goal on his Reds debut.
Steven Gerrard teed up Mo Sissoko on the edge of the box - the midfielder brought an unconvincing parry from Nir Davidovitch, and there was Bellamy to mop up and shoot the ball into the roof of the net.
Liverpool began the second half with greater intent than they had the first - Bolo Zenden shot wide, having been spotted by Gerrard, while Jermaine Pennant began to grow in influence.
However, the hosts were almost caught napping at the back once again. Colautti got goal side of Finnan to head a bobbling effort inches wide of the post.
Benitez withdrew Bellamy for Peter Crouch and The Reds proceeded to offer a more direct threat in a bid to establish a first leg lead.
Crouch's header missed by a whisker in the 76th minute and Pennant's deflected free kick drew a save from Davidovitch three minutes later.
Just as it appeared Liverpool would be frustrated, up popped substitute Gonzalez in the 88th minute to fire a shot into the Haifa net, after Crouch had flicked on Xabi Alonso's pass.
Haifa still threatened and may even have equalised had it not been for Reina blocking Colautti, but The Reds can now take a slender advantage into a second leg to be staged at a neutral venue
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