| Liverpool had to come from behind against PSV Eindhoven to clinch
top place in Group D, but in the end this Champions League victory
was achieved at a canter at the Philips Stadion.
Boss Rafael Benitez rested Steven Gerrard and sent out a much-changed
side against the Dutch champions and found themselves behind when
Danko Lazovic struck after 36 minutes.
Dutchman Ryan Babel found an equaliser just before the break and
from then on there was only ever going to be one winner. Albert
Riera belted home a 30-yarder for the second before French youngster
David Ngog added a third to ensure the night ended comfortably for
the Reds.
Benitez would have been further contented after he was able to
blood three local youngsters in European football - Stephen Darby,
Jay Spearing and Martin Kelly all getting their first taste of Champions
league football.
PSV needed to win to have any chance of qualifying for the UEFA
Cup, but they fell away badly after going ahead, while Liverpool
will now go into next week's draw for the last 16 as group winners
and certain of playing at home in the second-leg of their tie.
|
