《紅軍陣地》利物浦Fans club

銀~龍

Robbie Fowler believes the special European atmosphere that Anfield generates can inspire Liverpool to overturning their 1-0 defecit and beat Benfica in the return leg at Anfield.  
The Liverpool goals maestro reported that the players are desperate to put on a good performance in the second leg and continue their defence of the Champions League.
  
Fowler knows the Liverpool fans will give the team fantastic support in the return leg, and added it's now up to the players to respond to that on the night.
  
"I think Liverpool are famous for our European nights," enthused Fowler. "Come two weeks Wednesday, I think it will be a special night.
  
"The fans will get right behind us and it'll be up to us then."
  
The Reds ace said everyone in the squad was disappointed with the result in Benfica, especially the manner of the goal they conceded from a set piece.
  
"It looked 0-0 all over, but they've had a free kick quite late in the game and unfortunately, we've not dealt with it and they've scored," reflected Fowler.

銀~龍

Sami Hyypia has urged his Liverpool team-mates to recreate the spirit which took them all the way in Europe last season when Benfica come to Anfield in two weeks time.  
Ronald Koeman's men have a one goal lead to protect after Luisao's late strike in Lisbon last night, but Hyypia insists the tie is far from over and that the Reds can still keep the defence of their trophy on track.
  
He said: "We know what we need to do now and I'm confident we can get the right result in front of our supporters at Anfield.
  
"It was a pity we didn't score an away goal, but we showed against Olympiacos last season that we can come back even if the opponents get a goal at Anfield. We need to be careful but we know we can play better than we did last night.
  
"The disappointing thing about last night was the way we lost the game. We had seen that free kick move on the video before the game and so we knew what was coming. Unfortunately we were sleeping a bit at the back and we were punished. It was a painful way to lose.
  
"The tie is definitely not over. If we score two goals then we'll go through and that's what we'll be aiming for."

銀~龍

In this week's LFC Magazine you'll find all of the following exclusive content and much, much more...  

FREE GLOSSY PRINT
  
With this week's LFC Magazine, a FREE A4 glossy print perfect for your walls! This week and for the next two weeks, we bring you a print with every issue featuring Steven Gerrard wearing the shirts of his heroes; the shirts of the previous 4 European Cup winning teams!
  
Red Eye on the Game
  
As the Mancunians beat a hasty retreat back down the M62, Reds' fans were left to celebrate a historic victory against an old enemy. We bring you every view that matters from the result of the season so far, from the manager on the bench, to key players on the pitch…
  
Keep them Coming – Xabi Alonso Interview
  
Gavin Kirk talks to the beating heart of the Liverpool Midfield who believes that the more we play, the better we become. The Spaniard talks about the lessons to be learned from recent games, his plans for the Champions League and the current form of the Big Four teams in the Premiership…
  
Keeping the Shankly Spirit alive
  
The more we play, the more we win. The more we win the greater chance of silverware. This season's Liverpool have played more games in a season than ever before but, as the players reveal, the pressure may be beginning to ache some legs but the driver to win has only become stronger…
  
Also in LFC magazine this week:
  

Sami Hyypia's Quarter Century

Carragher joins the 400 club

News on new signing Gabriel Paletta

Hansen and Dalglish give their expert opinions.
  
LFC Magazine is available NATIONWIDE through all branches of WH Smith plus selected independent newsagents. For a stockist near you call our distribution team on 01895 433 800.

銀~龍

Do you fancy enjoying some corporate hospitality for our rearranged Premiership clash with Fulham at Anfield?  
Liverpool still have a number of places available in the Reds' Bar for this fixture, which has now been scheduled for Wednesday March 15, 2006.
  
For just £60 per person you can enjoy all of the following:
  

Match ticket Lower Centenary stand (wing section)

Half time tea/coffee

Match programme

Betting facilities

Access to Reds Bar

Hot and cold bar snacks available to purchase
  
If you wish to make a booking please complete the form below and return as soon as possible to: Corporate Sales Department, Liverpool F.C., Anfield Road, Liverpool, L4 0TH, or fax on 0151 260 0981.
  
-------------------------------------------------------------------
  
Liverpool v Fulham, March 15, 2006
  
I wish to make a booking for a party of .... in the Reds Bar at a cost of £60 per person
  
NAME..............................
  
COMPANY................................
  
ADDRESS..................................................
  
POST CODE........................
  
TELEPHONE No.....................
  
SIGNED..................
  
For those paying by credit card, please enter your details below
  
Card No........................ (visa/mastercard/switch)
  
Expiry Date.........
  
Issue No ... (switch only)
  
Signed................

銀~龍

Liverpool have announced the dates of their two legged FA Youth Cup semi-final with Southampton.  
The first leg will be played at Anfield on Friday March 10, 2006, kick-off 7.30pm.
  
The return game will be held at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium on Friday March 17, 2006, kick-off 7.30pm.
  
The first leg at Anfield shall be of ninety minutes duration.
  
In the event of the aggregate scores being level at the end of the second leg, extra time of two periods of fifteen minutes each shall be played to try and determine a winner.
  
Should the scores still be level at the conclusion of extra time then the tie will be settled by penalties.
  
For the first leg supporters will be accommodated in the Kop Grandstand with the following admission prices being charged:-
  
Adults - £4.00
  
Concessions (Juveniles Aged 16 or Under and Senior Citizens) - £2.00
  
Admission prices for the Second Leg at the St Mary’s Stadium have been set as follows:-
  
Adults - £3.00
  
Concessions (Juveniles Aged 16 or Under and Senior Citizens) - £1.00
  
The winners shall meet Manchester United, Manchester City, Newcastle United or Brighton and Hove Albion in the Final of the FA Youth Cup which will also be played over two legs.

銀~龍

Liverpool have confirmed that midfielder Momo Sissoko has suffered damage to the retina in his right eye.  
Sissoko stayed in a Lisbon hospital overnight after picking up the injury during the Reds' 1-0 defeat against Benfica.
  
The Reds haven't yet confirmed how long their young midfielder will be out of action for as further tests are required when he arrives back in England.
  
A club spokesman said: "Momo has undergone further tests this morning which have confirmed damage to the retina in his right eye.
  
"The injury is currently affecting his eyesight. Further consultations with eye specialists have been arranged for when the player returns to England."

銀~龍

In amongst the blood, sweat and tears, and the collision of crunching tackles, beauty exists within the game of football. It may not always be evident throughout the course of a match, but it's there, bubbling beneath the surface.  


  
In the case of the current Liverpool side, it may be in an inch-perfect Xabi Alonso pass, or Steven Gerrard's strike of a ball towards goal, or a moment of Luis Garcia trickery as he bamboozles a defender twice his size.
  
In art, as in nature, symmetry and synchronicity are seen as being possessed of beauty. It was with this in mind that something struck me as I re-watched the Manchester United match on video: namely that, of all things, an offside trap can be beautiful. (Duly moved, I almost felt like going out and renting an old Arsenal season review from George Graham's prime.)
  
There were a number of instances when the BBC paused the action on the replay to prove that Ruud van Nistelrooy - the master of bending the rules of offside - had strayed a yard or two, and that the flag was rightly raised. In that split second, with reality frozen for an artificial moment of stillness that cannot be registered by the naked eye, there was the Liverpool defence, in the straightest of lines.
  
Getting people to think and act in unison is not easy. It's why, when it's done to perfection, it wins gold medals in the Olympic pool, and is what makes the dancing in pop videos and musical productions something many marvel at. A group of people take a forward step on the same beat; the more I think about it, the more I'm sure Rafa's had the lads down the community centre, attending evening classes in line dancing.
  
Defending is an art, of course. It can be a lot of things: gritty, ugly, desperate, essential. But it is only beautiful in perfection.
  
Unlike the practised choreography of dancers, who follow set routines, footballers need to improvise in every situation. They need to anticipate when the pass will be made, and you can never be sure how, and when, it will be played; however much you prepare on the training ground, every situation in a match is unique, especially as opposition players will think in their own idiosyncratic ways that cannot be replicated in practice situations. Improvising in synch is when it becomes an art-form.
  
The understanding built up between this back-line is not to be underestimated. By my calculations (made before the Benfica game), in the 12 games when the first-choice defence of Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan and Reina have started the game, the Reds have kept 11 clean sheets, conceding just one goal (Rio Ferdinand's last-minute winner at Old Trafford). Liverpool won ten of the games, and drew the other.
   
Tomkins on defence
The understanding built up between this back-line is not to be underestimated. By my calculations (made before the Benfica game), in the 12 games when the first-choice defence of Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan and Reina have started the game, the Reds have kept 11 clean sheets, conceding just one goal (Rio Ferdinand's last-minute winner at Old Trafford). Liverpool won ten of the games, and drew the other.
A few weeks ago people were questioning Liverpool's ability to beat the top teams. A win away at (then)-6th placed Wigan has been followed by impressive, untroubled victories over Arsenal and Manchester United. Not that the latter two have taken defeat particularly well.
  
Long ball?
  
Something that irks me is the criticism of Liverpool's playing style. Of course, such criticism is less cutting when the Reds
  
First, Jose Mourinho said the cabbage patch at Stamford Bridge didn't effect Liverpool's game as the Reds play in the air anyway. Then Freddie Ljungberg made a series of baffling comments, including a suggestion that Arsenal had been dragged down to Liverpool's level in terms of rudimentary football. "We probably both deserved one point", Ljungberg said, after his team was so comprehensively outplayed the only Gunner to emerge with any credit was their goalkeeper, who kept the score respectable.
  
Then, the latest insult from Alex Ferguson: that Liverpool knock it long and 'only play for five minutes'. Of course, if that's the case, why didn't his side do better for the other 85 minutes? Perhaps - and this is just a suggestion - even attempt to force Pepe Reina to dirty his gloves?
  
Obviously I'm heavily biased, but I'm not blind to when Liverpool are playing bad, uncultured or ugly football; and this season, it has been a case of none of those things. In recent years there have been times when the Reds have been hard to watch, but that is not the case now.
  
This may not yet be the best, nor the most 'beautiful' Liverpool side ever, but it's one of the most varied in terms of its approach, and it involves a healthy dose of skill. This current side can play a number of different ways, often during the same game. It can break up and destroy, but with Kewell and Gerrard on the flanks and Alonso in the centre it can illuminate with creative inspiration. Up front, Peter Crouch gives the team a number of options.
  
You can do a lot with a long-ball game - such as create chances by getting the ball into the 'mixer' time and time again and hoping to prod home a loose ball - but one thing you cannot hope to do is have a decent share of the possession. And it is this that makes a lie of the recent accusations.
  
The long-ball game is anti-possession. It says 'we'll have the ball for .3 of a second before either creating a chance on goal or letting you have the ball back'.
  
Every ball knocked long to a striker makes it a 50-50 chance of retaining possession as he battles the centre-back - but that's just with accurate passes; how many extra passes go through to the goalkeeper or out for a goal kick? And if your striker does win the initial header, the chances of him finding a team-mate is also greatly diminished, in the fight for the 'second ball'.
  

Tomkins on the Reds' creativity
This may not yet be the best, nor the most 'beautiful' Liverpool side ever, but it's one of the most varied in terms of its approach, and it involves a healthy dose of skill. This current side can play a number of different ways, often during the same game. It can break up and destroy, but with Kewell and Gerrard on the flanks and Alonso in the centre it can illuminate with creative inspiration.
No matter how tall or how good his control, Peter Crouch cannot win everything - and he would need to just that in order to give Liverpool decent possession statistics; if indeed all the Reds did was hit it long to him. The truth is that what Mourinho, Ljungberg and Ferguson have said is not backed up by the facts of what actually took place.
  
In each of the four recent 'big' games - against Manchester United (twice), Chelsea and Arsenal - Liverpool had the lion's share of the possession. On top of this, in each of these games the Reds had the most corners (against Arsenal it was to farcical proportions), and while corners don't mean anything on their own, they do reflect the balance of play.
  
Bob Paisley said 'it's not about the long ball, or the short ball, but the right ball', and this is what we see from this Liverpool side: a flexibility that means any player can look long if desired, but he also has all sorts of different potential passes. Liverpool are not predictable in possession.
  
The side can build slowly and centrally with cultured football from some of the best midfield passers in the world; a player can go wide and look to Gerrard and Kewell to raid down the flanks with the assistance of attacking full-backs Riise and Finnan; or, if necessary, he can go direct. And that's a big strength of this side: it is far from one-dimensional.
  
The ball can be played long to Peter Crouch's head, but also into his feet (unlike traditional target men, he's exceptionally good on the deck). Luis Garcia doesn't want the ball in the air the whole time, does he? Morientes and Crouch, despite their aerial prowess, are technical players who are extremely comfortable with the ball at their feet.
  
'Long balls' tend to come from centre-backs, who are not renowned for their passing; it is when they constantly bypass the midfield (although of course every defender can be forced to hit it long to clear his lines). A long-ball, in the negative sense, tends to be a hit-and-hope punt that gets the ball roughly into a danger zone.
  
Players like Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard are long passers. Many of their 40-yard passes are to the wings, spreading play and in so doing, stretching and turning defences. Arsenal could not cope with this type of pass last Tuesday. Liverpool utilise the long pass effectively. But that doesn't make the Reds a long-ball team, and such conclusions are lazy and incorrect.
  
It's like the great zonal marking myth, as touched upon in this column recently. Manchester United's man-to-man marking on Sunday left more totally unmarked players than Liverpool's zonal marking has all season. When Rio Ferdinand scored a last-minute header at Old Trafford, he was at least under pressure from a defender in his zone.
  
But at Anfield, Kewell (twice), Crouch and Finnan were all scandalously unmarked. And yet it's hard to find criticism of the man-marking system in the press.
  
Liverpool could easily have scored from all four opportunities, but of course due to another clean sheet it only required Peter Crouch's header to win the game. Until the Reds convert a greater percentage of the chances created the team will never be credited as exciting or attractive, but no one can legitimately say this Liverpool side is 'winning ugly'.

銀~龍

開開心心又一日:)3

銀~龍

Mohamed Sissoko is carried off on a stretcher in Lisbon
Liverpool have confirmed midfielder Mohamed Sissoko has sustained damage to the retina in his right eye.

The 21-year-old was accidentally kicked in the face during the Reds' 1-0 Champions League defeat at Benfica and spent the night in a Lisbon hospital.

A Liverpool statement said: "Tests have confirmed damage to the retina.

"The injury is currently affecting his eyesight. Further consultations with eye specialists have been arranged for when the player returns to England."

Benfica's Brazilian midfielder Beto has apologised for his flying boot which led to the injury after 35 minutes.

"My boot caught Sissoko in the face and it opened a big wound around the eye," he said.

"I want to apologise - I did not mean to injure him. It was just a typical 50-50 midfield situation that happens all the time," said Beto.

"It happened, but I did not mean to harm him and I hope he recovers quickly."

銀~龍

Liverpool Football Club today confirmed their away fixture at Blackburn Rovers on April 15th will now kick-off at 5.15 pm.  
The switch will allow any fans who wish to attend both the annual Hillsborough Memorial Service at Anfield and the Premier League fixture to do so.
  
A club statement said: "We are very grateful to Blackburn for their co-operation in the rescheduling of the game. We examined every permutation in consultation with the Team Manager, but because of the continuing uncertainty over the dating of some fixtures and the need to make a decision quickly, we have decided on the 5.15 pm kick-off on the Saturday.
  
"The annual Memorial Service will, of course, be held at Anfield earlier that afternoon and will be attended by club officials and those first team players not involved in the game at Ewood Park."
  
Phil Hammond, Chairman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, said: "We're grateful to both Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers for all their efforts in rescheduling the game. We were always aware that one year a fixture would be played on the anniversary date and welcome the fact that fans will now have the opportunity to attend both."

銀~龍

Welsh Under-21 international striker Ramon Calliste was sent-off for fighting as Liverpool Reserves drew 0-0 with Leeds United, in an entertaining game at Elland Road.  
Calliste and Leeds defender Simon Walton were both shown a straight red card by referee Miss Rayner shortly before half-time, after the pair clashed off the ball on the touchline just in front of the dugouts.
  
Liverpool Reserve managers Paco Herrera and Hughie McAuley fielded three of the heroes who helped the Reds beat Carlisle United 6-0 in the FA Youth Cup quarter-final on Monday night, in the form of Adam Hammill, Jack Hobbs and Godwin Antwi. Hobbs continued as the new reserve team captain.
  
Scotland Under-21 international Robbie Foy was given his first reserve team start since arriving back from a loan spell with Wrexham. The Reds were without the injured Miki Roque and Besian Idrizaj.
  
Leeds fielded Norway international Eirik Bakke in their starting line-up while former Tranmere Rovers striker Ian Moore led their attack.
  
The closest Liverpool came to a goal on the night was a tremendous effort from Foy that brought a superb save from Leeds keeper Ian Bennett, after Hobbs had picked him out with a brilliant long range pass.
  
Youth Cup hat-trick hero Craig Lindfield made a late appearance off the bench and almost won it in the final minute, but was unlucky to see Bennett deny him from close range.
  
Liverpool had their first opening of the match on nine minutes when superb play down the left side from Hobbs found Foy in space. The Scot slipped a through ball through the heart of the Leeds defence to Ramon Calliste. From a tight angle the Welsh Under-21 international went down after a challenge from Leeds keeper Bennett, but the referee waved away the penalty appeals.
  
There was a scare for Liverpool after 28 minutes when keeper David Martin did brilliantly, on the stretch to tip Danny Pugh's left wing inswinging cross onto the cross bar.
  
Then at the other end a superb run from right back Jan Kromkamp took him to the edge of the Leeds penalty area. The ball then fell to Hammill whose stinging effort was saved by Bennett.
  
A minute later Kromkamp showed his defensive qualities with a superb last ditch challenge to deny Pugh an opening.
  
Leeds went close after 37 minutes when Gavin Rothery shot just wide from just outside the Liverpool penalty area.
  
The first half ended in controversy when Liverpool's Ramon Calliste and Leeds defender Simon Walton clashed on the touchline and both were promptly sent-off by the referee Miss Rayner. The pair did raise hands to each other but Leeds Reserve manger Martin Hodge was furious with the decision.
  
Despite both sides being down to 10 men the second half was an entertaining affair with some good play at either end of the field. Foy was a constant threat on the counter attack for the Reds while Hobbs and Lee Peltier were excellent in central midfield. Godwin Antwi was a colossus at the back alongside the commanding Danny O'Donnell.
  
Leeds United Reserves: Bennett, Madden (Gray 76), Harding, Parker, Walton, Einarsson, Griffiths (Howson 60), Bakke, Moore, Rothery (Bayly 78), Pugh.
  
Liverpool Reserves: Martin, Kromkamp, Smith, Antwi, O'Donnell, Hobbs, Hammill (Flynn 75), Peltier (Lindfield 84), Calliste, Guthrie, Foy. Subs not used: Woods, Willis, Threlfall.
  
Referee: Miss A Rayner.
  
Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the match: Lee Peltier. Solid in central midfield and passed the ball well.
  

Extended highlights of this match will be available to watch online on Thursday.

Rafael23

你唔好咩都post喇-.-你有冇睇內容嫁.....

銀~龍

Liverpool FC have released the following ticket information for Arsenal v Liverpool (FAPL 12/03/06)  
Barclays Premiership
  
Arsenal v Liverpool
  
To be played at Highbury, London
On Sunday 12 March 2006, kick off 4.00pm
  
Liverpool Football Club have received an allocation of 2651 stand tickets for this ALL ticket fixture priced as follows;-
  
Adult - £35
Child(under 16) - £17.50
Over 65s - £17.50
  
Ticket Allocation
  
Tickets will be available to Season Ticket holders based on attendance at Premier League away fixtures during Season 2004-2005 on the following days,
  
Attendance at 9 or more games
Thursday 2 March 8.15am – 5.30pm
  
Attendance at 8 or more games
Friday 3 March 8.15am – 5.30pm
  
Attendance at 7 or more games
Saturday 4 March 10.15 – 5.15pm
  
The allocation of tickets will be subject to availability and while stocks last.
  
Tickets will be available for personal application at the Ticket Office, by postal application and credit card bookings on Telephone Number 0870 787 2000. The Fan Card must be presented when applying at the Ticket Office and in the case of postal applications or telephone applications the number must be quoted, telephone bookings will require the applicants address to be confirmed and are subject to a booking fee.
  
Please do not apply if you do not meet the required criteria, any queries regarding the Fan Card please telephone 0870 220 2345.
  
We would emphasise to all eligible applicants that no guarantee can be given that tickets will be available to all who apply.
  
Executive Box holders, Centenary, Premier and Executive members should contact the Corporate Sales Department.

銀~龍

Liverpool FC have released the following ticket information for Newcastle v Liverpool (FAPL 19/03/06)  
Barclays Premiership
  
Newcastle United v Liverpool
  
To be played at St James’ Park, Newcastle
On Sunday 19 March 2006, kick off 1.30pm
  
Liverpool Football Club have received an allocation of 2937 stand tickets for this ALL ticket fixture priced as follows;-
  
Adult - £30
Child - £16 (Under 16)
Over 65s - £25
  
Ticket Allocation
  
Tickets will be available to Season Ticket holders based on attendance at Premier League away fixtures during Season 2004-2005 on the following days,
  
Attendance at 8 or more games
Tues 7 March 8.15am – 5.30pm
  
Attendance at 6 or more games
Wed 8 March 8.15am – 6.00pm
  
Attendance at 4 or more games
Fri 10 March 8.15am – 5.30pm
  
The allocation of tickets will be subject to availability and while stocks last.
  
Tickets will be available for personal application at the Ticket Office, by postal application and credit card bookings on Telephone Number 0870 787 2000. The Fan Card must be presented when applying at the Ticket Office and in the case of postal applications or telephone applications the number must be quoted, telephone bookings will require the applicants address to be confirmed and are subject to a booking fee.
  
Please do not apply if you do not meet the required criteria, any queries regarding the Fan Card please telephone 0870 220 2345.
  
We would emphasise to all eligible applicants that no guarantee can be given that tickets will be available to all who apply.
  
Executive Box holders, Centenary, Premier and Executive members should contact the Corporate Sales Department.

銀~龍

We're giving you the chance to win a signed Robbie Fowler shirt PLUS two tickets for our Champions League clash with Benfica at Anfield.  
Every month on Liverpoolfc.tv we give away brilliant prizes for ridiculously low prices in our online reverse auctions.
  
This month's lucky winner will be celebrating winning a shirt signed by returning hero Robbie Fowler as well as a pair of tickets to our European clash with Benfica on March 8.
  
The rules are simple. All you have to do is text in the lowest price in pence that you think nobody else will bid for these items. If your bid is the lowest and unique (ie nobody else has bid the same amount) at the end of the auction then you win.
  
All you have to do is text "LFCBID" and your bid in pence to 81110 (UK only) or 57112 (Republic of Ireland only).
  
For example, if you want to bid one pound 16 pence for the items text: LFCBID 116 to the relevant number.
  
Bids cost £1.50 (UK) and 1.50 euros (ROI). Your usual network tariffs will also apply.
  
For full terms and conditions see www.liverpoolfc.tv.

銀~龍

Benfica striker Nuno Gomes insists the Portuguese side will cope with the intimidating Anfield atmosphere in the second leg of their Champions League clash.  
Luisao's late header in the Stadium of Light has given Ronald Koeman's men a slender lead to protect in two weeks time as the two sides go in search of a place in the last eight.
  
Gomes knows his side still have work to do if they hope to progress, but he is confident the famous Anfield atmosphere won't have any effect on the outcome.
  
"Our victory will help us get more confidence after some poor results. It will help us in our big match on Sunday against Porto," he said.
  
"And of course it will also help us at Anfield. We know that will be hard with their supporters behind them, and we are aware of how difficult their fans will make it for us. But we are experienced and used to such atmospheres.
  
"This victory also proved that our win over Manchester United was not just a lucky one. But Liverpool were much harder to play against than United."
  
Gomes is also hoping to be facing a Liverpool team containing Steven Gerrard in the return leg.
  
"We are aware that we will be facing a fit Steven Gerrard playing from the start, not just for the final minutes as in Lisbon," he added.
  
"We were a little surprised by that. I know Gerrard is one of the world's great players and the best in Liverpool's team.
  
"Maybe he was a little injured, but he seemed okay when he came on. They play very organised defensively and whatever players are involved it is the same.
  
"But I hope he plays at Anfield. That means that when we win people cannot say it was only because Gerrard was not playing."

T9

如 果 你 想 觀 看  隱 藏 內 容 ， 請 按 「 讚 好 」

或 「 回 覆 」 。

美斯好波

銀~龍

Liverpool Reserve coach Hughie McAuley felt the referee had no choice but to send-off Reds striker Ramon Calliste for an apparent headbutt, during the reserves goalless draw with Leeds United.  
Calliste was given a straight red card following a clash with Leeds defender Simon Walton, who was also sent-off.
  
"We have no complaints with Ramon's sending-off and you can't get away with what he did," explained McAuley.
  
"I thought it was a good game for a 0-0 and we kept our shape well in the second half and created two or three good chances, but we just couldn't score. Leeds had an experienced side out but we did very well.
  
"I thought Lee Peltier and Jack Hobbs did well together in midfield. Jack is getting better and better and Lee is a great competitor and always works hard."
  
McAuley also had praise for Dutch defender Jan Kromkamp who had an excellent game at right back.
  
"Jan gave us excellent width down the right hand side and was good from an attacking and defensive point of view," the coach added.

銀~龍

香港時間2月23日凌晨，利物浦俱樂部宣布，在前一天的歐洲冠軍聯賽比賽中被本菲卡隊員踢中頭部的中場隊員西索科右眼視網膜損傷，目前視力已經收到嚴重影響。

　　在0-1輸給本菲卡的比賽中，上半場進行到30分鐘左右，本菲卡中場球員比圖和西索科進行拼搶，不小心踢到了他的頭部，馬里人立刻被抬出場。賽後西索科在里斯本的醫院里待了一天，利物浦在其官方網站上宣布說：“莫莫(西索科)正在接受進一步檢查，他的右眼視網膜已經遭到嚴重損壞，他的視力受到了影響，眼科專家們正在商討他回到英格蘭後的下一步的治療方案。”

　　衛冕冠軍利物浦本場比賽的失利讓人摸不著頭腦，甚至連本菲卡主帥科曼都感到不解，他說：“我不知道他們為什麼要把謝拉特和克勞奇放在替補席上，有很多教練都愿意押寶在第二回合，但是很多情況下他們第一回合的失利有很大負面影響，我想我們現在有利一些。”利物浦主教練賓尼迪斯解釋說：“本菲卡的表現證明他們是一支強隊，他們知道怎樣給對手制造壓力，在第二回合比賽中，我們將努力踢好一點，有了球迷的支持我們可能打進兩個球。謝拉特在上一場比賽中拼到了最後一分鐘，我讓他休息，我不能為了這一場比賽而失去他一個月。”剛剛回歸利物浦的老將科拿自從2001年以來第一次參加冠軍聯賽，他說：“兩個星期後將有一場屬於利物浦的比賽，球迷們將全力支持我們。

銀~龍

記者王康寧報道 “當我只有6歲的時候就聽人說過，足球比賽最關鍵的位置就是中場。現在也一樣，如果你能控制中場，那你就控制了比賽。”帶隊出征里斯本光明球場前夕，紅軍主教練本尼蒂斯這樣分析道。然而，今天凌晨的比賽，愛斯賓奴並沒有用上自己的智慧。

　　近來狀態不錯的謝拉特和德國老將夏文令人驚奇地都沒出現在首發陣容中，艾朗素和西索科則出現在後腰位置上，這直接造成紅軍在中場的失勢。上半場前20分鐘，雙方都是試探性進攻，利物浦在中場並未佔據多大的優勢。第34分鐘，西索科被對方抬腳過高給踢倒，本尼蒂斯沒有使用謝拉特而是將“關鍵先生”夏文派遣上場。但是這一次，夏文不再關鍵，正是他在第83分鐘一個毫無必要的犯規給了對手一個自由球的機會，就是這個自由球讓原本可以在光明球場全身而退的利物浦遺憾失利。

　　但是盡管夏文本場本場的表演不盡如人意，都不會對他在安菲爾德的未來產生任何決定性的影響───德國人以首發身份在上周六1比0力克死敵曼聯的足總杯比賽中打滿全場，那已經是他本賽季第22次代表紅軍登場(其中19次首發、3次替補)，同時也滿足了其工作合同中自動續約一年的條件。也就是說，夏文至少還可以為紅軍效力到下賽季結束。

　　要知道僅僅6個月前，這還是一種近乎荒謬的可能，當時利物浦同意與其續約的條件是降低薪水，而英超球隊保頓則開出了一份為期兩年的豐厚合同邀請他加盟。不過在最後關頭，32歲的夏文還是選擇了留在安菲爾德，而上周3天之內的兩場比賽證明德國人並沒有選錯。首先在周三，替補出場的他以一腳勢大力沉的重炮轟門迫使阿仙奴門將夏文扑球脫手，結果幫助隊友祖安法蘭補射打進全場唯一進球擊敗槍手。到了周末，他又與小將西索科一起組成了一道固若金湯的中場屏障，不僅讓人們忘記了西班牙大將艾朗素的缺席，更是本隊打破85年足總杯不勝曼聯魔咒的重要因素。僅就德國人上周六的出色發揮來看，俱樂部與他續約兩年也不過分。“夏文上周六的確很棒，但他整個賽季一直都很出色”，老將的表現得到了隊長謝拉特的大力稱贊。

　　也正是因為如此，雖然夏文本賽季在西索科等小將的沖擊下出場機會不多，但在更衣室里還是被眾多年輕紅軍尊稱為“愷撒大帝”，就連在安菲爾德如日中天的謝拉特也不例外：“別忘了他是一名參加過世界盃決賽的球員，我自己就從他身上學到了很多。我希望他一直留在隊里，因為我們的中場還很年輕，太需要老隊員的經驗了。”

　　但今天凌晨，在葡萄牙，在本菲卡，在光明球場，夏文只能對利物浦球迷說聲抱歉了。