Match Reports
Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Liverpool Liverpool's return to Dortmund was a million miles away from the thrilling UEFA Cup final just over 4 months ago, but saw the Reds return with a useful away result against an in form Borussia Dortmund side. In a dull first half, Liverpool's only real chance was from a header by Murphy from a Riise corner, which was easily cleared off the line. Liverpool's only other venture towards the Dortmund goal was when Owen broke into the penalty area, and despite being clearly held back, the striker stayed on his feet and he eventually lost possession, only for the ball to bounce up and appear to hit the hand of a Dortmund defender. Claims for a penalty for both the foul and the handball were dismissed by the referee. Borussia Dortmund meanwhile were restricted to only long range efforts, as Liverpool looked to make sure they didnt concede. Liverpool's defence went to pieces just after the break though, with Vignal attempting a routine clearance and slicing his kick behind him towards his own goal, and then after Henchoz watched the ball for a couple of seconds despite being under pressure, he finally decided to try and head the ball out of play, but instead directing his header straight towards the goal and he was lucky that it came back off the post. The rest of the half was only marginally more entertaining than the first half, Liverpool having a few set pieces close to the Dortmund penalty area and also a couple of corners, which were taken by Riise and Murphy in McAllisters absence from the starting line up. But the closest chance came from the home side, with Rosicky shooting against the outside of the post, leaving Dudek motionless. The game was poor as a spectacle, but taking points from such an away trip will certainly please Gerard Houllier and his players.
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