Liverpool let points slip at Atletico
October 23, 2008
In match day three Champions League action Liverpool FC traveled to Spain to take on joint group D leaders Club Atletico de Madrid. Up until the 83rd minute of the match they were looking good to go top of the group with a valuable away win after Robbie Keane had given them the lead in the 14th minute.
Keane’s goal was setup with a through ball from Steven Gerrard that helped Keane slip past the last line of defence. It was touch and go if he was on-side. In the end play continued and he slotted home past Leo Franco.
The referee assistants were to play a big role in this match as first Liverpool then Atletico had goals ruled out for offside. Both decisions were questionable. Liverpool’s Yossi Benayoun was first to feel the disappointment of seeing the flag go up as he put the ball into the back of the net. Not long after Seitaridis for Atletico was also denied by an offside call.
As it looked likely that Liverpool would take full points a Jamie Carragher error allowed Diego Forlan to take possession before passing to Simao who then beat Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina. More chances came for both sides as Reina tipped away a Miguel strike and Ryan Babel headed wide of the post.
Rafael Benitez said after the match that he felt Liverpool lost two points rather than gaining one which is normally a good result when playing away.
The draw leaves the two sides on top with seven points, four clear of PSV who defeated Marseille 2-0 at home.
In other matchday three action Barcelona stayed the only team to win three from three as they thumped Basel 5-0. Chelsea won at home over Roma with a 1-0 score after a John Terry goal in the 77th minute.
Matchday four is scheduled for November 4-5. The group stage will be completed on 10 December. The top two teams in each group advance to the knockout stage.
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