[lfc-news] Man City report - PA

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PA Sport, 9 April 2005
Manchester City 1 Liverpool 0

Liverpool's Champions League heroics against Juventus were forgotten at
Eastlands as Kiki Musampa's last-minute winner smashed a massive hole in
the Reds' hopes of making next season's competition.

Despite being outplayed for much of the contest, and surviving a superb
Musampa second-half volley which crashed back off a post, Rafael
Benitez's men looked like hanging on for the point that would
temporarily have taken them above Merseyside rivals Everton.

But, after seeing his side concede late goals in his first two games in
charge, it was Stuart Pearce's turn to celebrate today as Lee Croft,
thrown on for Paul Bosvelt 20 minutes from time, found space inside the
visitors box and picked out Musampa with a superb cross.

There was still plenty of work to do for the on-loan Dutchman but he
proved equal to the task, drilling a first-time effort past Scott Carson
to give City the win they deserved.

It was the worst possible send-off for Liverpool's decisive trip to
Turin, but Benitez will be more bothered by the knowledge Everton will
move four points clear of his side if they beat struggling Crystal
Palace at Goodison Park tomorrow.

The goal also significantly enhanced Pearce's chances of succeeding
Kevin Keegan on a long-term basis and the former England skipper has
reason to look back on the contest with an immense amount of pride.

Pearce called on the home fans to 'raise the roof' for his first game in
charge, and the former England skipper made sure the players kept their
side of the bargain as City hit Liverpool with an enthusiastic early
barrage.

Their efforts might have brought some reward if there had been more
composure behind the final ball, but too often it went astray.

Two men exempt from criticism both had special reason to shine. As born
and bred Merseysiders, Robbie Fowler and Joey Barton both relish the
opportunity to dazzle against Liverpool, so it was no surprise they were
the pick of City's bunch.

Fowler maintained his excellent recent form with a series of well-timed
runs, astute passes and delicate flicks, while Barton, adopted a more
robust approach, coming out on top in a series of heavy tackles as well
as creating City's best two chances of the opening period.

It was the midfielder's early free-kick which dropped on the head of
skipper Sylvain Distin, but though the big defender made a firm contact,
Carson, preferred to Jerzy Dudek despite his midweek error, got across
to make the save.

The former Leeds keeper should have been made to work much harder when
Barton floated a far post cross into Musampa's path midway through the
half, only for the Atletico Madrid man to completely mishit a volley
that bobbled harmlessly wide.

In those opening stages, Liverpool looked a lacklustre outfit. Given
their draining midweek exertions it was perhaps not surprising, but
slowly it seemed to dawn on them that offering Everton the initiative in
the battle for fourth place should not have been part of their script.

Largely though, Distin and central defensive partner Richard Dunne
stayed strong, repelling the threat of Fernando Morientes and Anthony Le
Tallec with something to spare.

One superb clearance by Dunne from John Arne Riise's low cross caught
the eye, although it was David James Liverpool were really cursing for
costing them an interval lead.

Despite the wet conditions, it could be argued the England keeper was
slightly sloppy in letting Igor Biscan's 25-yard shot slip from his
grasp. But just as Le Tallec looked set to smash home the rebound, James
redeemed himself, stretching a foot out to prod the ball away from the
Frenchman.

After a largely anonymous first half, Steven Gerrard was quick to make
an impact in the second, drilling Riise's far-post cross just over.

Unfortunately for the visitors, Gerrard could not sustain his
superiority as his old schoolmate Barton slowly took command again.

The Huyton-born player may still have some recklessness in his game but
he is also becoming more effective and had it not been for Steve
Finnan's last-ditch clearance, his third pinpoint cross of the contest
would have provided Antoine Sibierski with a tap-in 20 minutes from time.

Before that, Musampa had smashed his volley against the post, probably
meeting Nedum Onouha's cross too well after the young full-back had
galloped down the wing at Reyna's invitation.

But just as it looked like City were going to be forced to settle for a
draw, up popped Musampa to deliver the killer blow.

Man City: James, Onuoha (Mills 67), Dunne, Distin, Jordan, Reyna,
Barton, Bosvelt (Croft 73), Musampa, Fowler, Sibierski { Wright-Phillips
83).
Subs Not Used: Weaver, Negouai.
Booked: Barton.
Goals: Musampa 90.

Liverpool: Carson, Finnan, Carragher, Pellegrino, Warnock, Luis Garcia
(Smicer 68), Gerrard, Biscan, Riise (Traore 82), Le Tallec, Morientes
(Welsh 78).
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Hyypia.
Booked: Carragher.

Att: 47,203
Ref: M Riley (W Yorkshire).

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[lfc-news] Reds cool over Owen - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 8 April 2005
Reds cool over Owen
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL won't rush into giving Michael Owen an escape route from Real
Madrid back to Anfield, despite having first option to resign the striker.

Owen was today quoted saying he'd welcome a return to Merseyside having
been given few opportunities to show his class in Spain.

But despite being in the market for a striker this summer, Rafa Benitez
isn't convinced his transfer resources should be allocated to bringing
the former Kop idol home.

Not only would Real Madrid expect the £8m they paid for the 25-year-old,
Owen's wages would make him a top earner at the club.

Benitez has been scouting other targets all season and, while noting
Owen's comments, does not see this as the green light to launch what
some may believe an inevitable swoop.

Owen is sure to attract interest from other Premiership clubs, with
Newcastle currently leading the chase, and there is no doubt Liverpool
will monitor developments closely.

However, Owen would have to accept a considerable reduction in salary if
he wants a return to Anfield.

That makes an emotional comeback an unlikely prospect at this stage.

The 25-year-old said today: "Would I return to Liverpool? I would have
nothing against it if I had to move for one reason or another.

"I left Liverpool on good terms, they are still the first result I look
out for and I have a lot of friends there.

"I have no bitterness at all to Liverpool and they are still a club very
close to my heart.

"It's well documented I don't like sitting on the bench, so let's hope
things improve."

Liverpool agreed the first refusal clause for Owen when he was sold last
August, but there was no set fee within that deal.

Meanwhile, Valencia president Juan Soler claims he is in talks with
Liverpool striker Milan Baros.

Soler told Valencia-based Radio 9 that the Czech international was one
of several targets for the summer as Los Che attempt to strengthen
following a disappointing season.

He said: "We are negotiating with the Czech (Baros) and with four or
five players of the same quality. These players are from Europe and
South America and we are trying to do things in plenty of time, both
with Baros and with the others."

Valencia's former coach Claudio Ranieri embarked on a spending spree in
the summer with the likes of Marco Di Vaio, Bernardo Corradi and Stefano
Fiore all arriving at the Mestalla.

But the policy of recruiting Italians failed to reap the required
rewards and Ranieri paid for the failure with his job.

And Soler admitted several members of the first team squad would be
leaving at the end of the current campaign.

He added: "Some of the players who are coming are going to replace those
who are already here, so it is for the best that we do not speak too
much about the subject.

"I don't want the team to lose concentration as we aim for our objective
of returning to Europe."

Vladimir Smicer admits he's resigned to leaving Anfield at the end of
the season after the club made no approach to renew his Liverpool contract.

Smicer has been linked to former club Lens, but could remain in England.

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[lfc-news] Man City v Liverpool team news - PA

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PA Sport, 8 April 2005
THATCHER BACK FOR CITY

Stuart Pearce has Ben Thatcher available for the first time since taking
over as Manchester City boss as the Blues prepare to face Champions
League-chasing Liverpool.

Thatcher has missed the last four games with a hamstring injury but is
vying with Stephen Jordan for the left-back berth.

Steve McManaman (calf) and Shaun Wright-Phillips (knee) are both out, as
are long-term injury victims Jihai Sun and Trevor Sinclair (both knee),
but Paul Bosvelt returns after being ruled out of last week's trip to
Charlton for 'family reasons'.

Fernando Morientes is expected to return for Liverpool.

However Xabi Alonso is not in the squad as manager Rafael Benitez wants
the Spanish midfielder to train rather than sit on the bench with a view
to being fit for Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg
against Juventus.

Milan Baros is out as he serves the second of his three-match domestic ban.

Morientes has returned to fitness after the muscle injury he received in
the Merseyside derby win over Everton.

Goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek could take over from Scott Carson.

Striker Djibril Cisse could be ready for a reserve comeback in 10 days
following a much quicker recovery from his broken leg than had been
expected.

Teams

Manchester City (from): James, Weaver, Mills, Onouha, Dunne, Distin,
Sommeil, Jordan, Thatcher, Croft, Bosvelt, Reyna, Flood, Barton,
Sibierski, Musampa, Fowler, Macken, B Wright-Phillips.

Liverpool (from): Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Pellegrino, Traore,
Luis Garcia, Gerrard, Biscan, Riise, Morientes, Le Tallec, Nunez,
Smicer, Carson, Warnock, Welsh, Potter.

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[lfc-news] Stay-away fans in fear over attacks in Juventus return - Post

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Liverpool daily Post, 7 April 2005
Stay-away fans in fear over attacks in Juventus return
By Alan Weston Daily Post Staff

LIVERPOOL FC is struggling to sell its ticket allocation for next week's
Champions League quarter-final in Turin amid fans' fears over their safety.

Only 2,253 tickets had been sold yesterday out of the club's allocation
of 3,600 for the second leg.

While affordability is an issue for many fans, others are concerned
about potential reprisals from Juventus supporters.

A rogue element has vowed to take revenge for the 1985 Heysel stadium
disaster, when rioting led to a wall collapsing and the deaths of 39 people.

Liverpool fans are being warned by police not to travel to Turin unless
they have bought tickets from the club.

Although Tuesday night's game at Anfield went ahead in a generally
positive atmosphere, a significant number of Juventus fans turned their
backs when reconciliation efforts were made.

Sam Johnstone, a long-time Liverpool season ticket-holder, said: "Quite
a number that usually go to European games are thinking twice about
going over to the Juventus game next week.

"Part of it is down to experiences they had when they went over to Rome
a few years ago, when there was a really nasty atmosphere, and that the
Italian police still see Liverpool fans as hooligans.

"I don't altogether blame some Juventus fans for turning their backs at
this week's game. We still fight for justice for Hillsborough, and a lot
of Juventus supporters feel the same way about Heysel.

"I would urge anyone going over there to go on organised trips through
the clubs where they'll be looked after.

"The vast majority of Juventus supporters are willing to move on, but
there are some who won't be."

Former Liverpool midfielder Ronnie Whelan, who played in the 1985
European Cup final, said he expected a night of tension next Wednesday.

"I'd be more concerned about the away leg," he said.

"Relatives of the dead people are still there, they still remember and
they feel a lot more bitter than they do in Liverpool."

However, for others, affordability was the reason behind their decision
not to travel to Italy.

Les Lawson, secretary of the Merseyside branch of the Official Liverpool
Supporters' Club, said: "There hasn't been a great period of time in
between European games to go abroad again and nobody has got unlimited
funds. You have to pick and choose what games to go to."

Chief Supt Dave Lewis, who will lead a five-strong liaison team from
Merseyside Police travelling to Turin, said: "I went to Turin last week
and spoke with the deputy head of police there and he was not not aware
of any organised group who intended to attack Liverpool supporters.

"But I would encourage all the travelling Liverpool fans to use the
shuttle buses which will carry them directly from the town centre into
the ground.

"Those travelling alone, perhaps looking a bit lost, are more at risk of
attack. They are always more vulnerable.

"I'm confident that, if people take the advice given to them, it will be
a totally-trouble free experience."

The British consulate in Turin said it was not expecting any violence
and was not preparing to step up security. Spokeswoman Joanne Yeadon in
Milan said: "There is always speculation about violence, but usual
security measures will be in place."

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[lfc-news] Resrves v Leeds report - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 6 April 2005
XABI MAKES SUCCESSFUL COMEBACK
Steve Hunter at Wrexham

Xabi Alonso has given Liverpool's Champions League hopes a massive boost
by playing 45 minutes for the Reserves in the 1-0 defeat by Leeds United
at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground.

Spanish ace Alonso has been out for three months after breaking his
ankle on New Year's Day against Chelsea and the sight of the midfield
maestro back on a football pitch ahead of schedule is a very welcome one
for Rafael Benitez.

Alonso played the second half and was quickly into his stride, making
tackles and spraying the ball about with quality passes left, right and
centre. He looked really sharp and combined superbly in midfield with
John Welsh.

As for the game itself Hughie McAuley's side gave it everything,
especially in the second half with Alonso on the field, and they were
unlucky not to get at least a point.

Liverpool played good passing football in the second half and used the
width well with Richie Partridge down the right, and Ryan Wilkie
especially down the left catching the eye. Wilkie had an excellent game
and was a constant threat to the Leeds defence.

Many times in the second half Liverpool got in behind the Leeds defence
but the only thing that was lacking what a goal predator to put the ball
in the back of the net. Irish youth striker Conal Platt worked hard and
is a good young footballer with a good touch and vision, but he is more
of a creative attacking player than a natural finisher.

The only goal of the game came on 27 minutes when Leeds Chris Jones
curled a splendid shot past Paul Harrison.

With captain John Welsh and David Mannix in central midfield Hughie
McAuley gave Academy defender Adam Hitchen his first reserve start at
right back with David Raven moving to left back. Darren Potter played
just off the lone striker Conal Platt.

Potter created the first chance for the Reds after two minutes when his
superb back heel released Richie Partridge whose effort was well saved
by Leeds former Charlton keeper Sasa Ilic.

Partridge went close again after 11 minutes when his cross was deflected
just over the bar and at the other end David Raven cleared a Leeds cross
off the line.

Wilkie then got in behind the Leeds defence down the left side but his
cross was behind Partridge. Then after more good play from Wilkie Darren
Potter had a great chance but unfortunately the Republic of Ireland
Under-21 international miskicked in front of goal.

The best moment of the night arrived in the second half with the arrival
of Xabi Alonso. Hitchen made way with Mannix moving to right back with
Alonso partnering Welsh in midfield.

Straight away Alonso was putting tackles in and not afraid to get stuck in.

Liverpool had a great chance to equalise after 56 minutes from a corner
but the unmarked Danny O'Donnell blazed over the bar.

After 70 minutes Alonso produced a brilliant cross from the left wing
which he hit with the outside of his right foot, but after a goalmouth
scramble Liverpool just couldn't force the ball home.

A superb Alonso pass then sent Partridge racing away but despite cutting
into the area he shot wide. Partridge also missed a great chance four
minutes from time when he couldn't keep an effort down from a good position.

Liverpool Reserves: Harrison, Hitchen (Alonso 45), Raven, O'Donnell,
Whitbread, Mannix, Partridge, Welsh, Platt, Potter, Wilkie. Subs unused:
Willis (GK), Hammill, Noon, Barratt.

Leeds United Reserves: Ilic, McKeown, Morris, Rothery, Keegan, Parker,
Gray, Jones, Corr, Smith, Woods.

Referee: P N Gibbs.

Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: Ryan Wilkie. Superb display on the left
wing from Wilkie, really got at the Leeds right back.

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Anfield Road - The Boot Room - Orange Kit is an article referring to speculation over the changes to Liverpool's shirt sponsor from next season onwards.

[lfc-news] Reds fans in Juve warning - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 6 April 2005
Reds fans in Juve warning
By James Glover & Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo

REDS fans were today warned not to travel to Turin unless they had
tickets bought from Liverpool FC.

Police and supporters' clubs say Reds fans who pay for seats among home
supporters could put their safety at risk.

It follows fears that Juventus hooligans will lie in wait for Liverpool
fans at next week's second leg of the Champions League quarter finals.

So far 2,500 tickets have been sold, with around 1,000 Reds fans
travelling independently.

Merseyside police are liaising with their counterparts in Italy to plan
for the game, and officers from the force's football unit will be there
to look for troublemakers.

They fear that Reds fans could get their hands on tickets for the
Juventus ends of the ground through travel agents selling package trips
to the match at the Stadio delle Alpi and via the internet.

They would be seated among Juve supporters, some of whom showed last
night they have not forgiven Liverpool's fans' involvement in the Heysel
disaster of 1985, when 39 fans died.

Some Juventus fans at Anfield turned their back on the pitch when fans
tried to carry a banner bearing the words "memory and friendship"
towards them.

Today Nicola Bateman, a stewardess at Liverpool FC independent
supporters' club, said: "I will not be going to the game in Turin.

"I think there will be murder. You can tell some of the Juventus fans
are looking for trouble. Last night went well, but there was obviously
still some bad feeling."

Merseyside police today warned supporters to only buy tickets through
Liverpool FC.

Chief Superintendent Dave Lewis, Merseyside police match commander for
LFC home games, said: "Given the sensitivity surrounding the game last
night and the return match, we are doing all we can to ensure the safety
of Liverpool fans travelling to Turin."

Juventus's hooligan following, the Ultras, are among the most feared in
Italy. Just two years after the Heysel disaster, they took part in the
socalled "Battle of Turin" when clashes with fans from city rivals
Torino left scores injured.

The situation at Juventus is further complicated by the fact there is
more than one Ultra grouping.

The two most powerful are the Drughi and the Irreducibli and both have
hardcore followings feared throughout Italy.

The Drughi were present at Anfield last night and unfurled a banner
displaying their name when the referee blew his final whistle.

Richie Pedder, chairman of the Liverpool independent supporter's club,
added: "Talk of Juventus fans looking for revenge is unsettling.

"I just hope Liverpool fans are not allowed into the city centre of
Turin during the day of the game and are then bussed in on the evening."

The British consulate in Turin is not expecting any violence and not
preparing to step up security.

Spokeswoman Joanne Yeadon in Milan said: "There is always speculation
about violence, but usual security measures will be in place."

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[lfc-news] Juventus report - PA

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PA Sport, 5 April 2005
Liverpool 2 Juventus 1

Liverpool produced an magnificent performance to beat one of Europe's
finest sides - but are hanging onto their Champions League lives after
conceding a vital away goal.

In a high-tempo first half, Liverpool surged forward to grab fine goals
from Sami Hyypia and Luis Garcia to go in at the break two ahead.

Two magnificent goals from Sami Hyypia and Luis Garcia gave Liverpool
command in a first half in which they ran Juve ragged with a ferocious,
high-tempo performance.

Rarely have the Italian giants been subjected to such a hounding, in
fact they had conceded only two goals in the tournament before this
emotional quarter-final first leg showdown at Anfield.

But Liverpool could not maintain their dominance and Juventus stormed
back in the second half with a display of control, skill, constant
movement and possession gave Liverpool an insight into what they will
face in next week's return in Turin.

A priceless away goal by Fabio Cannavaro makes the Italians favourites
to go through to the semi-finals after next week's second leg in Turin

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez again opted not to risk Jerzy Dudek's
hamstring injury and gave young goalkeeper Scott Carson his European debut.

Sami Hyypia returned to defence while Benitez opted for a two-man attack
with France Under-21 star Anthony Le Tallec in the starting line-up
alongside Milan Baros.

Juventus had playmaker Pavel Nedved back for the first time since late
February following a head injury, with France striker David Trezeguet on
the bench for the Serie A giants who only conceded two goals in the
Champions League this season before this clash.

Alessio Tacchinardi was suspended while Ciro Ferrara and Olivier Kapo
were also absent for the Turin giants, with the two sides playing their
first competitive fixture since the Heysel disaster of 1985.

Liverpool went at Juventus from the off, and Milan Baros almost forced
his way through straight from the kick-off.

Gerrard was in the thick of it setting the standard with a thunderous
tackle.

His prompting got Steve Finnan in on the right, and his shot crashed
into the side netting.

But Juve were barely rattled and picked off inaccurate passes with ease
to set Alessandro Del Piero and Zlatan Ibrahimovic going.

But from Liverpool's second corner, they stole into the lead.

Gerrard's ball soared in from the right, Luis Garcia flicked it on and
Hyypia arrived on the far post to volley superbly inside the post
leaving Gianluigi Buffon, arguably the world's best keeper, utterly
stranded.

The ease with which the Finnish star struck his shot, and its accuracy,
is not what is usually expected from a defender, and he sat on the pitch
with his arms outstretched to celebrate his second goal of the season.

Gianluca Zambrotta hacked the ball off Baros' toes after 19 minutes,
just a couple yards out, and then Le Tallec got his head in the way of a
cross that was powering towards John Arne Riise, coming in unmarked at
the far post.

Liverpool had surprised the Italians with their pace and strength in
these opening stages, but still the Serie A giants looked awesome in
possession and moved the ball around smoothly.

And amazingly Liverpool went two ahead on 25 minutes. Igor Biscan played
the ball down the right, Le Tallec flicked it on and Garcia surged onto
the ball 25 yards out and hit a sensational dipping drive over the
despairing arms of Buffon.

It was the Spanish international's 10th goal of the season and fourth in
Europe, underlining Benitez's view that he has become critical to
Liverpool's balance in attack.

Juve almost hit straight back from the restart when Nedved set up
Ibrahimovic for a 20 yarder that cannoned back off Carson's right-hand post.

Baros was soon to force his way into the box on the right and see an
angled shot deflected just over the bar and onto the roof of the net.

Again the Italians were straight back at Liverpool, and Del Piero was
played in only for Carson to make an outstanding save to his left.

Gerrard's drive, though, was dominating midfield and he battled past
Lilian Thuram to smash a 20-yard effort over the top. Riise and Baros
were soon to test Buffon again as the game flowed from end to end.

Juventus sent on Gianluca Pessotto for Manuele Blasi at the break, with
the intent of curtailing Gerrard's surging runs.

Liverpool had continued to maintain the tempo of the first period, but
Juventus were clearly intent on a more physical approach themselves and
Jonathan Zebina was fortunate not to be booked for a foul on Riise.

Nedved and Ibrahimovic both had efforts that flew wide, but Juve were
getting further forward and Liverpool could ill-afford lapses in
concentration that gifted them the ball, Finnan twice being at fault

Juventus stepped up their search for a lifeline by taking off Del Piero
and sending on David Trezeguet on the hour, with an increasing number of
shots reaching Carson and greater midfield possession than they had
managed at any stage previously.

And the goal the Italians had been threatening arrived on 63 minutes
when Fabio Cannavaro appeared at the far post to meet a Zambrotta cross
and head powerfully down and inside Carson's left hand post with the
young keeper looking to be at fault.

Liverpool then took off Baros and sent on Antonio Nunez, pushing Garcia
forward. Certainly something was needed to wrestle back control of the
match from an increasingly confident Juve.

And it now seemed a question of whether Liverpool could hang onto their
goal advantage, although Riise's surge forward saw a low shot deflected
just wide by Thuram.

Vladimir Smicer replaced the limping Le Tallec on 73 minutes, Liverpool
now under constant pressure as the Italians surged forward with clever
passing and movement.

Paolo Montero came on for the injured Zebina with 10 minutes left, and
despite decent attempts by Nunez and Gerrard, Juventus were in command
and had most of the possession and were searching desperately for the
equaliser.

It did not come, but Liverpool must fear for their future in this
competition next week in Turin.

Liverpool: Carson, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore, Luis Garcia,
Gerrard, Biscan, Riise, Le Tallec (Smicer 73), Baros (Nunez 66).
Subs not used: Dudek, Alonso,Warnock, Welsh, Potter.
Booked: none
Goals: Hyypia 10, Luis Garcia 25

Juventus: Buffon, Zebina (Montero 81), Cannavaro, Thuram, Zambrotta,
Blasi (Pessotto 45), Emerson, Camoranesi, Nedved, Del Piero (Trezeguet
61), Ibrahimovic.
Subs not used: Chimenti, Appiah, Olivera, Zalayeta.
Booked: none
Goals: Cannavaro 63

Att: 41,216
Referee: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium)

GERRARD EXPECTS TOUGH SECOND LEG

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admitted Juventus' second-half goal in
their Champions League quarter-final at Anfield tonight had set up a
tight second leg next week.

Rafael Benitez's side made a stunning start as they stormed into a 2-0
lead with goals from Sami Hyypia and Luis Garcia in the opening 25 minutes.

But Juve responded after the break to claim a crucial away goal when
Scott Carson failed to keep out a Fabio Cannavaro header he should have
dealt with.

Gerrard told ITV Sport: "We're pleased. We have have taken that before
the game. It was such a great atmosphere and we scored two but it was a
blow to concede one.

"I'm sure Scott will be disappointed with it but he stopped one in the
first half that was one of the best saves I have seen this season.

"He will learn and now Scott or Jerzy (Dudek) need to keep a clean sheet
for us in the second leg.

"I don't think we'll play for a 0-0. We have got the ability to nick a
goal over there. That will be the game plan, to keep a clean sheet and
nick a goal.

"A clean sheet and we're in the last four of the competition. That would
be magnificent."

Hyypia, who struck with a left-foot volley after 10 minutes, admits
there is a lot of hard work still to do in Turin next week.

The Finn said: "It is half-time at 2-1. We have a difficult game at
their place next week. We will have to work hard to get the result there.

"We do not fear anyone. They are a good team and it is going to be hard
but we showed today we can win."

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[lfc-news] Juve name 20-man squad - Official Site

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Official LFC Website, 4 April 2005
JUVE NAME A 20-MAN SQUAD
By Mark Platt

Juventus fly into Merseyside today with an almost full strength squad
ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg tie at Anfield.

After a final training session in Turin on Sunday morning Juve coach
Fabio Capello announced a 20 man squad for the match.

The Bianconeri will be without three key players - Ferrara (injured),
Kapo (injured) and Tacchinardi (suspended) - but still have a glittering
array of talent at their disposal.

Influential midfield playmaker Pavel Nedved is in line to play his first
game since 22 February when he suffered a head injury, while David
Trezequet has been passed fit following a back injury but may only make
the bench.

Juventus squad in full: Buffon, Montero, Pessotto, Emerson, Ibrahimovic,
Del Piero, Nedved, Chimenti, Birindelli, Camoranesi, Trezeguet, Appiah,
Zambrotta, Blasi, Thuram, Bonnefoi, Olivera, Zalayeta, Zebina, Cannavaro.

Juventus had scouts at Anfield on Saturday where they ran the rule over
the Reds during the 1-0 win against Bolton Wanderers.

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AnfieldRoad.com - Another keeper to criticise.

Sunday, 03 April 2005

Scott Carson was signed in the January transfer window from Leeds. Also wanted at the time by Chelsea, he followed Steven Gerrard in turning them down.

Cumbrian-born Carson was signed by Leeds after being spotted playing for his local amateur team and soon found his way into the England Under-21 squad. As a Liverpool 'keeper he's now under pressure more than perhaps other keepers at any other premiership club, perhaps with the exception of Manchester United, who's goalkeepers have given us all a few laughs in recent years.

Liverpool's goalkeepers always seem to get more of the spotlight after a mistake than do other keepers.

Read more...