Thursday, August 10, 2006

Late Gonzalez Goal Spares Liverpool Blushes


LIVERPOOL, England, Aug 9 (Reuters) - Liverpool needed a late winner from Chilean substitute Mark Gonzalez to overcome a determined Maccabi Haifa 2-1 at Anfield in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier on Wednesday.

Rafael Benitez's side came from behind to win a nervy encounter against the Israeli team who are still frustrated that the second leg of the third qualifying round tie will not be played in their home country due to security concerns.

Maccabi shocked 2005 champions Liverpool by taking a 29th-minute lead against the run of play.

Gustavo Boccoli started the move in his own half and took a clever return pass from Roberto Colautti to run through on goal and shoot past Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina's right leg.

Liverpool's response was instant with Welsh forward Bellamy scoring his first goal for the club in the 33rd minute.

Good link play between Jermaine Pennant and Steven Gerrard set up Momo Sissoko for a shot and when that was saved Bellamy barged Gerrard out of the way to score.

Gonzalez, also making his debut, scored within two minutes of arriving as a substitute by digging the ball out of his feet and hooking it home at the far post from Xabi Alonso's cross after 88 minutes.

Liverpool keeper Reina had to save with his feet from Colautti in the dying minutes to deny the Israelis a draw.

The second leg will be played at a neutral venue yet to be decided.

Great Red North @ 10:17 pm

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