Last-gasp goals foil Liverpool, revive Inter
- Source: Global Times
- [08:12 November 06 2009]
- Comments
Liverpool's Andriy Voronin (left) shows his disappointment during their Champions League game against Olympique Lyonnais in Stade Gerland, Lyon Thursday. Photo: AFP
Troubled Liverpool conceded a late-stage goal in a 1-1 draw at Olympique Lyonnais Thursday, leaving them in danger of an early Champions League exit, while Inter Milan were on the right end of some late drama.
The Italian champions scored twice in the last five minutes to beat Dynamo Kiev 2-1 away and claim their first win in nine European matches.
Lyon's point was enough to send them into the last 16 along with Sevilla, who were held 1-1 at home by VfB Stuttgart, as the duo joined Manchester United, Chelsea, Bordeaux and Porto in the knockout stages.
European champions Barcelona, beaten 2-1 at home by Rubin Kazan two weeks ago, were held to a goalless draw away to the Russians in freezing conditions, leaving them in an uncomfortable position in their group.
Arsenal, inspired by a Cesc Fabregas' brace, thrashed AZ Alkmaar 4-1 and virtually ensured their place after becoming the only Premiership side to manage a win this week.
Five-times champions Liverpool traveled to Lyon having lost six of their last seven games in all competitions, including a 2-1 loss to Lyon at Anfield, and were again missing injured captain Steven Gerrard.
They looked to have done enough when Ryan Babel fired them ahead with an eye-catching strike from 25 meters in the 83rd minute.
But former Racing Club and Porto forward Lopez slotted home the equalizer in the last minute despite nearly being dispossessed by a teammate in the run-up to the goal.
"You have to be really disappointed because it was a great opportunity tonight," said Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez.
"It is difficult but not impossible. We have to win our next game [at Debrecen] and see what happens between Fiorentina and Lyon the same night. We have done it in the past."
Liverpool, third in Group E with four points, dropped five behind Italy's Fiorentina, who thrashed pointless Hungarian debutants Debrecen 5-2.
Serie A leaders Inter, who drew their first three games in Group F, finally brought their domestic winning touch to Europe, although victory looked unlikely for a long time.
