Liverpool vs Besiktas Match Report

Liverpool vs Besiktas Match Report

Liverpool nick the first leg 1 - 0 as Mario Balotelli slots away a late penalty against stubborn Besiktas.

 

In a tight game at Anfield Liverpool secure a crucial clean sheet and prevent themselves from going six European games without a win. Mario Balotelli followed up his winner against Spurs with a crucial penalty to win the game.

 

Liverpool had an early chance through Daniel Sturridge. Jordan Ibe slipped through Sturridge who made it past the defender with a good piece of skill. Unfortunately for the England striker Besiktas keeper Genk Gonen made a save from a narrow angle.

 

On thirty minutes Besiktas had a good attempt from a corner but the header went over the bar. It highlighted Liverpool’s defensive frailties from set plays though.

 

Soon after Besiktas striker Demba Ba broke free after a quick break from a blocked Joe Allen shot. Through n goal though a repeat of last year didn’t happen as Mingolet made the save.

 

The Besiktas keeper Gonen had a save to make from Alberto Moreno. The ball was cleared from a corner but came sweetly to Moreno who thumped the ball goal wards from about thirty five yeards out. The keeper tipped the ball over the bar for a corner.

 

Early in the second half Adam Lallana had a great opportunity after the keeper dropped a Jordan Henderson cross after bumping into a defender. Unfortunately the ball wouldn’t fall kindly for Lallana and he skewed the ball over the bar.

 

Liverpool eventually did take the lead from the spot. Substitute Balotelli played the ball wide to Jordan Ibe who easily skipped past his marker, He made it into the box before being tripped by the defender for a penalty.

 

Strangely Sturridge and Balotelli seemed to squabble about who should take the penalty, despite Steven Gerrard on television saying Henderson should be the one to take it. Nevertheless Balotelli stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to put the Reds into the lead.

 

Jordan Ibe had the beating of the left back all night and this was an extremely encouraging performance from the young winger. Balotelli also looked good after coming on, even if I’ve been quite critical of the Italian of late.

 

Liverpool will be favourites to progress after securing the lead and conceding no away goal in the tie. They travel to Turkey for the away leg next Thursday but first face Southampton at St Mary’s on Sunday.