Reds ease past Toulouse

Goals from Peter Crouch, Sami Hyypia and two from Dirk Kuyt gave Liverpool a comfortable win as they eased past French side Toulouse at Anfield to qualify for the Champions League group stages.

There were some impressive performances from a team made up of squad players, with Yossi Benayoun in particular running the show in midfield.

Crouch opened the scoring from a Kuyt cross inside the opening 20 minutes and missed a couple more chances to increase the lead – as did Kuyt.

Hyypia then headed home unmarked from a corner early in the second half before Kuyt added two more in the last five minutes.

Liverpool started the European match without Carragher or Gerrard for the first time in 10 years and there was a fitting tribute to Rhys Jones prior to kick off.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Hyypia, Agger (Finnan 81), Riise, Benayoun, Sissoko (Lucas 68), Mascherano, Leto (Babel 75), Crouch, Kuyt.
Subs Not Used: Itandje, Torres, Alonso, Pennant.
Goals: Crouch 19, Hyypia 49, Kuyt 87, 90.

Toulouse: Douchez, Cetto, Ilunga, Paulo Cesar, Mathieu (Sissoko 81), Dieuze, Fofana, Sirieix, Elmander, Emana (Fabinho 76), Gignac (Bergougnoux 54).
Subs Not Used: Riou, Jonsson, Mansare, Batlles.

Attendance: 43,118
Referee: Wolfgang Stark (Germany)