Match Reports
Liverpool 2-0 Borussia Dortmund Liverpool added an impressive victory over Borussia Dortmund to add to their already unbeaten record, and ensure top spot in the group, roared on by an electric atmosphere inside Anfield. Jens Lehmann saw the most action of the 2 keepers early on but wasnt really tested until Smicer struck. Having collected the ball 20 yards out at a slight angle, Smicer fired a shot across the keeper and into the far corner to give Liverpool a priceless lead. Dortmund passed the ball around well though, and they enjoyed a lot of the possession in between the goal and the half time interval but were unable to test Dudek too often, despite Dede having a lot of the ball on the right side and getting in a number of crosses, but these were well dealt with by the solid Liverpool back line. In the second half, Gerrard went close early on, with a run forward and a shot from outside the area which was not far away but just whisked past the far post. Owen also looked dangerous and with the Borussia Dortmund defence defending quite deep, he was kept under close guard throughout the game, managing only a couple of shots from 15 yards out which were off target. With 9 minutes to go, Liverpool were awarded a free kick just to the right edge of the penalty area. Danny Murphy swung the ball into the centre, and Steve Wright got his head to it to put Liverpool 2 up. The free kick was perfect, played into the box just a couple of yards in front of the keeper, but with 2 Liverpool players unmarked, a goal looked a certainty and once it was scored, the result was safe. Vladmir Smicer and Steve Wright were the goal heroes, but their were more than 2 star men for the Reds. Jamie Carragher was as outstanding as a centre back as he is on the left or right, and with Henchoz putting on a solid display alongside him, Dortmund were restricted to few chances. Steve Wright played as well as he has done in any match, and in what was only his first Champions League start. Heskey and Owen caused problems up front although neither were at the top of the game. And in midfield, Steve Gerrard made his presence known throughout, winning practically everything he went in for. But while Liverpool were never totally dominant over their German opponents, neither did they ever look like losing with a fair result in the end, but a result which will see Dortmund 'relegated' into the UEFA Cup. Boavista were beaten by Kiev but finish 2nd on goal difference. A special mention goes out to the Dortmund fans, some of whom turned up to the stadium before noon! The german supporters took up half of the Anfield road stand and gave their team terrific support while also joining in with You'll Never Walk Alone both at the start of the game and also at the end of the match despite losing the game and being eliminated from the competition. It was a complete contrast to the unsporting behaviour witnessed by the Boavista fans towards in chanting racist comments towards Emile Heskey in last weeks match. View match pictures from this game!
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