Liverpool vs Internazionale, 2007/08 UEFA Champions League, Round of 16

· 1st Leg

Liverpool

85': Dirk Kuyt
90': Steven Gerrard

FT
2 - 0
1st Leg

Internazionale

30': Marco Materazzi

About

Liverpool are hosting Internazionale at Anfield, Liverpool, England, starting on . The match is a part of the UEFA Champions League.

Match Commentary

0': Good evening and welcome to a potentially make or break night for Rafa Benitez in the knock out stages of the Champions League. Liverpool v Inter Milan is live, with me Chris Murphy.
0': After Liverpool's humiliating home defeat at the hands of Championship side Barnsley in the FA Cup on Saturday, every man and his dog has been putting the boot into Liverpool and Rafa has been wearing the expression of a man who knows he is on borrowed time. Get beaten again at home, and then dumped out of the only competition they can still win this season by Inter, and many are saying the Yank axe will swing.
0': As you'd expect, the big guns are back in the form of Gerrard and Torres. Here is the full Liverpool line-up: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Aurelio, Gerrard, Mascherano, Lucas, Babel, Kuyt and Torres.
0': As for Inter: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Cordoba, Materazzi, Chivu, Zanetti, Stankovic, Cambiasso, Maxwell, Cruz and Ibrahimovic.
0': Expect Liverpool to be much improved this evening, and the Kop to be bang up for it. But don't forget, they are playing the Serie A Champions elect, who many regard as the finest team on the continent at the moment.
0': Here are two stats to make Reds fans wince: Inter are 11 points ahead atop Serie A and are unbeaten in 29 games. Oooh, good luck Rafa.
0': Here come the teams, to a wall of Anfield noise...
1': And we're off...
2': There is a rip-roaring atmosphere at Anfield, as you'd fully expect.
3': Believe it or not, there is only one Italian in Inter's team - the infamous Marco Materazzi.
3': Good, bright start from Liverpool - a sharp Stevie G wins a corner.
4': The corner falls to an unmarked Jamie Carragher whose volleys hits Cambiasso.
5': More marauding from Stevie G, who is brought down by Christian Chivu who rightly, recieves a yellow card. Free kick in a dangerous spot for the Reds.
6': Its a poor one from Aurelio, and floats harmlessly over the bar.
7': Just to flesh out Inter's unbeaten run, they haven't lost for FIVE months!
8': More birght attacking shapes from Liverpool but the move breaks down with Dirk Kuyt. I have a feeling I might be typing that out ad nauseam tonight.
9': Torres shows his threat with a pacey burst to beat Materazzi to the ball but Inter clear the cross, then Cordoba clears as Kuty fires in a cross. Corner. Liverpool looking strong so far.
10': Ooh! Hyppia meets it and Cesar tips it over, when really, he should have caught it. Another corner.
11': Skipper Gerrard gets a late love tap from Stankovic. A bit naughty that. Free kick on half way.
12': Inter haven't had a kick so far - apart from that little hack Stankovic committed on Gerrard.
13': Torres completely outpaces the lumbering Materazzi, who clips the Spaniard after being overtaken and gtets a yellow. That's two already for the visitors.
14': From the free kick Mascherano tries a punt that is blocked by Cruz and then the Argetine breaks up a threatened Inter counter attack seconds later.
15': Great crossfield ball from Mascherano, but the move breaks down with Kuyt (2).
16': Torres certainly has Inter worried with his pace but just can't collect a Gerrard pass there as he streaked clear.
17': Inter have shown very little so far and Chivu sums up their performance to date with an aimless long ball downfield that runs out for a goal kick.
18': First hint of a threat from Inter as Ibrahimovic flicks on for Cruz who jostles with Hyppia as the defender tries to shephard the ball back to Reina.
19': Here comes the first lusty chant of, 'Rafa-Rafael, Rafael Benitez'.
20': Inter have weathered the early Liverpool storm it seems and the game is settling down.
21': Mascherano does well to rob Ibrahimovic of the ball as he looked to release Maxwell. Important intervention.
22': Inter win a free kick on Liverpool's left but Zanetti's ball is poor.
23': Nice little dribble from Mascherano who spoils it by trying to wrestle Zanetti to the floor after the Inter man had robbed him of possession.
24': Kuyt gives the ball away again unneccessarily (3).
25': First debnt opening for Gerrard to strike one, but the skipper was off balance slightly and he doesn't connect cleanly.
26': The first fluent Inter move is broken up well by Mascherano - he could be vital this evening.
27': Torres wins another free kick, this time off Cordoba, and Gerard can deliver a decent cross again .... but Cambiasso clears well.
28': Things are becoming a bit more ragged now with the game shifting into a predictable pattern; namely Liverpool dominating but not creating, Inter soaking up pressure and looking dangerous on the break.
29': Materazzi is off! He tugged at Torres' shirt after the Spaniard got in front of him, and Inter will play an hour with ten men!
30': Anfield has been roused by that somewhat dodgy decision and now they have an hour at ten men. Ideal scenario for them.
31': Ultimately, the referee had given himself no choice after awarding Materazzi an early booking for an innocuous challenge, but he is currently giving everything Liverpool's way.
32': The alamo has begun! Liverpool are camped in Inter's half!
33': No tactical changes to tell you about. Cruz and Ibrahimovic are staying up top while Liverpool are sticking with just Torres up top. That may change soon I reckon.
34': We had a slight break in proceedings there as the linesman fell over, broke his flag and had to call for a replacement!
35': There are little gaps opening up here and there for Liverpool now. They will have to exploit the width of this Anfield pitch, which is far from the biggest in the UK.
37': Its all a bit too congested on the edge of Inter's penalty area at present, with none of Liverpool's flicks coming off. They need width, width, width.
39': Inter look spent as an attacking force in this half for now, as they try and keep their shape and see things out till half time.
40': The soccernet office screams, 'HIT IT! HIT IT!' as Ryan Babel lurks on the edge of the box, but when he pulls the trigger it is miles wide and kilometres high.
41': Inter's blunt attacking ambitions are underlined by the fact that Jamie Carragher is regularly strolling to 40 yards from goal before being closed down.
43': Liverpool need to get the ball down on the deck. Punting balls up to Torres is not going to work.
44': Now it is Liverpool's turn to sit deep and soak up pressure as Inter enjoy a breif spell of possession. It ends when Ibrahimovic fouls Hyppia.
45': Gerrard times his run superbly and hits the byline before pulling the ball right across goal but Torres is a yard off the pace and Inter clear.
45': Now Kuyt tries a volley - which he shins - and Cesar catches comfortably.
45': There we are - half time is up and we still await the first goal. Decent half for the home side though, who will look to press home their man advantage in the second half. Stay tuned.
46': We are off again...
46': Can Liverpool find the precious goal they need? Rafa certainly hopes so.
47': Liverpool will go hard again for the first ten but Inter may not be as easily ruffled as they were at kick off.
48': First opening for Inter and Hyppia's nervy clearance caused it, after a spot of ping pong Cambiasso tries a drive that flashes a few yards wide.
49': The referee has started this half by giving everything to the visitors, in a stark contrast to the opening period, where he was a complete homer.
50': Decent moves from Finnan down the right and Chivu does well to clear his cross. Better from Liverpool.
51': Internazionale have steeled themselves for a full 45 minutes of defending it looks like. Can they last out?
52': Gerrard is pushing right on in this half, charging forward with the protection of Lucas and Mascherano behind him.
53': Oh dear. The occasion got to Sami Hyppia's head there as he tries a 40 yard piledriver. And it went horribly wide.
55': Great pressing from Torres forces a slip from Maicon and Aurelio wins a corner.
55': Decent flick to safety from Maicon again, and then Mascherano's dink it overhit and it runs behind.
56': Now, here is a familiar face - Patrick Vieira is coming on for Julio Cruz. A defensive midfielder for a striker. The die is cast.
57': Another super break from Finnan who tricked Stankovic with a lovely flick. Free kick near the corner flag for the Reds.
58': Aurelio's free kick is too deep and poses no problems for the Italians. Liverpool are going to need far better delivery than that if they are to prevail.
59': Great save from Cesar! Vieira was caught in possession and the ball broke clear for Torres who was one on one with the keeper and forced him into a fine save. what a chance!
60': Now Hyppia has a great chance! Finnan slips in Kuyt in the area, he stands the ball up for Hyppia who heads wide! Two great chances in less than a minute!
61': Another huge handball shout as Gerrard tries to loop the ball over Vieira in the box. That should have been a penalty, replays show.
62': Gerrard was claiming that straight away, and he was right. Vieira's hand was up and it denied Gerrard the ball.
63': Good spell of pressure this from Liverpool, as Crouch prepares to come on, but they need a goal to show for it.
64': Liverpool have taken my advice (text me at your leisure Rafa) and are stretching Inter with their width now. That is certainly helping their cause.
65': Crouch is on for Lucas, seconds after a snapshot from Torres just crept wide.
66': Poor football from Liverpool there as Finnan's cross is way too short, then Mascherano shanks a volley as he tries to help the ball back into the box.
67': Vieira has looked lost in the pace of this game so far. Miles from the assured Aresnal skipper we used to know and hate.
68': Crouch wins the first long ball aimed at him but no-one can profit from his knock down. I think that theme is going to be explored over and over in the remaining 22 minutes.
70': Wow. Not only have inter made it out of their half, they have won a corner! Liverpool clear well as Vieira looks to pounce then an offside flag denies Cambiasso.
71': Yet again, a European ref is baffled by Crouch's size and awards a very soft free kick against the beanpole striker.
72': Jermaine Pennant is about to come on.
72': Babel makes way for the winger.
73': Patrick Vieira accepts the invitation to shoot on goal as Carragher backed off but his effort is wide.
74': This last quarter of an hour is going to be all about fashioning decent crossing opportunities that Crouch can profit from.
75': And it nearly worked there! He won a header, Cordoba's clearance fell to him again and he volleyed an effort just wide. Good effort.
76': Cordoba twisted his knee during that last piece of action and he is currently being ferried off on a stretcher. Nicolas Burdisso replaces him.
77': Another shooting opportunity for Gerrard but a deflection sends it behind for a corner.
78': Inter clear the corner then Cesar claims another cross well. Time running out for Liverpool, but it only takes a second to score a goal eh?
79': Ooh, Crouch does well to bring down a dropping ball in the area but Chivu blocked his shot, then Finnan's follow-up effort was pitiful.
80': Crouch wins another header but Torres is isolated as he tries to win the flick on. Liverpool need more numbers in and around Crouch, who is winning his fair share.
82': Crouch flicks on to Torres again but he had his back to goal and no runners to find. Come on Liverpool - get numbers in the box!
83': Corner for Liverpool after more work in the box from Torres, but Inter clear and break before Mascherano robs Vieira of the ball.
84': This time Torres and Crouch go for the same ball, and shock horror, Torres wins it!
85': GOAL! Its Dirk Kuyt! Pennant's cross eluded everyone and the Dutchman's shot is deflected and Liverpool have a vital goal!
86': Well, what drama! Liverpool have been knocking on the door and of all people, Dirk Kuyt is the one who picks the lock. Quite franklly, I think he is rubbish but he struck that one superbly well.
87': Crouch has made a big difference since he came on. There he chests down and tries to volley on the turn but can't get enough power behind it. All hail the beanpole!
88': Now Maicon is down clutching his leg. Inter are wasting as much time as possible now. They are petrified of conceding another.
89': GOAL! Captain Gerrard has fired an angled drive from 25 yards and Liverpool are in dreamland! Liverpool 2-0 Internazionale.
90': Wow! Gerrard's 50th goal at Anfield has turned this tie on its head. If this ends 2-0 Liverpool will fancy their chances in Milan. He's done it - YET AGAIN. What a player.
91': It never looked like it was coming but Liverpool hung in there and now must go down as favourites. If it stays 2-0 of course.
92': Just one minute remaining.
93': Benitez can feel satisfied with his work tonight too - good changes (Crouch and Pennant) at the right times, and not afraid to push his full backs well forward. He has earnt his reprieve.
94': Well, what a breathless finale! The game finishes and Liverpool have their 100th European victory at Anfield. they were well worth it too, but they owed much to the early sending off of Marco Materazzi. Liverpool go to Milan in three weeks knowing if they only concede one goal thay are through. Astonishing! Thanks for your company. until next time.

Statistics

INT		LIV
18	Fouls	18
1	Yellow Cards	0
1	Red Cards	0
3	Offsides	1
1	Corner Kicks	10
4	Saves	0
29.7	Possession	70.3
4	SHOTS	25
0	ON GOAL	6
0.0	On Target %	0.2
0	Penalty Goals	0
0	Penalty Kicks Taken	0
148	Accurate Passes	465
227	Passes	537
0.7	Pass Completion %	0.9
0	Accurate Crosses	16
3	Crosses	51
0.0	Cross %	0.3
42	Long Balls	106
16	Accurate Long Balls	86
0.4	Long Balls %	0.8
1	Blocked Shots	6
24	Effective Tackles	16
28	Tackles	17
0.9	Tackle %	0.9
0	Interceptions	0
32	Effective Clearances	24
65	Clearances	47

Game Information

Competition: UEFA Champions League

Venue: Anfield
Location: Liverpool, England
Attendance: 41,999

Line-Ups

Liverpool

No.	Name
25	Pepe Reina (GK)
23	Jamie Carragher
12	Fabio Aurelio
3	Steve Finnan
4	Sami Hyypiä
20	Javier Mascherano
21	Lucas Leiva
8	Steven Gerrard
19	Ryan Babel
18	Dirk Kuyt
9	Fernando Torres

Liverpool Substitutes:

Xabi Alonso, Charles Itandje, Yossi Benayoun, Álvaro Arbeloa, John Arne Riise, Jermaine Pennant, Peter Crouch.

Internazionale

No.	Name
12	Julio César De León (GK)
2	Iván Córdoba
6	Maxwell
13	Maicon
26	Cristian Chivu
23	Marco Materazzi
19	Esteban Cambiasso
5	Dejan Stankovic
4	Javier Zanetti
9	Julio Cruz
8	Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Internazionale Substitutes:

Patrick Vieira, David Suazo, Luis Figo, Maniche, Francesco Toldo, Hernán Crespo, Nicolás Burdisso.

UEFA Champions League News

Van Dijk's warm welcome for Alexander Isak

Virgil van Dijk was on hand to welcome Alexander Isak to Liverpool's training ground.

Barcelona's Camp Nou return delayed again: When will they be back?

Barcelona closed Europe's largest stadium for renovations in May 2023. They were meant to return in 18 months, but they still don't know when they'll be back.

Maresca cautious on the fitness of Cole Palmer

Chelsea boss Enzo Mareca says they are "trying" to get Cole Palmer fit for their match vs. West Ham this Saturday.

Slot: Don't expect Isak to play 90 minutes every week

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has called for patience when it comes to Alexander Isak due to the striker's lack of preseason with Newcastle.

Metropolitano to host '27 Champions League final, Warsaw gets women's event

The 2027 men's Champions League final will be staged at Atlético Madrid's Metropolitano Stadium and the women's event will be held at Warsaw's National Stadium.