Europa League Semi Final, 1st Leg
Thursday, 22nd April, 2010
Liverpool’s dismal away record continued, failing to register a shot on target as they lost 1-0 to Atletico Madrid.
Diego Forlan’s scrappy goal early in the first half proved the only goal of the game. The former Manc was left completely unmarked 6 yards out but fluffed his header before poking in past Reina.
Liverpool created some chances, with Benayoun having a goal disallowed for offside and Gerrard hitting the side netting in the first half.
Atletico looked vulnerable at the back but Liverpool failed to put them under any concerted pressure. Ryan Babel and Nabil El Zhar were introduced but Dirk Kuyt failed to take advantage when put through by Babel.
Liverpool’s away record in all competitions this season now reads, P27 W7 D7 L13. Wins v Leeds, Unirea, Debrecen, Bolton, West Ham, Everton and Aston Villa.
Still, the Reds will be favourites going into the return leg next week at Anfield.
Team Line-ups and Substitutions
Atletico Madrid: De Gea, Antonio Lopez, Ujfalusi, Dominguez, Perea, Raul Garcia, Paulo Assuncao, Simao (Valera 77), Forlan (Eduardo Salvio 85), Jurado, Reyes (Camacho 90+2).
Subs not used: Sergio Asenjo, Juanito, Leandro Cabrera, Borja.
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Agger, Kyrgiakos, Carragher, Gerrard, Benayoun (El Zhar 83), Mascherano, Lucas, Kuyt Ngog (Babel 64).
Subs not used: Cavalieri, Degen, Ayala, Aquilani, Pacheco.
Ref: Duhamel
Att: 50,000
