Reds Run Rampant in Russia

Liverpool took a giant step towards Champions League qualification with a 3-1 win in Russia against CSKA Sofia.

Steven Gerrard, who has been in outstanding pres-season form, gave another unbelievable performance, he set up Djibril Cisse for Liverpool's first, his low left footed shot squeezed in past Sofia's goalkeeper Evgheni Hramuc.

After which, a Gerrard free kick was headed powerfully into the net by Liverpool's Spanish striker Fernando Morientes.

Although being 2-0 down clearly deflated CSKA Sofia, they did pull a goal back when Dimitrov headed in at the far post to reduce the deficit. The goal sent the home crowd into raptures, who unfortunately were alleged to have delivered racial abuse to Liverpool's Djibril Cisse.

Liverpool ignored any abuse to seal a fine performance as Liverpool's captain once again surged forward to set up Morientes again for a close range finish.

Liverpool will no be firm favourites to qualify as the Russians will need to score at least 3 goals at Anfield to have any chance of progressing.

Liverpool Manager Rafael Benitez:

"The players concentrated and in the end it was a good result," he said after the third-round, first leg Champions League qualifier.

"They ran a lot and played good football but we have done a good job."

"It is important to score and if the strikers score more it will give them confidence."


CSKA Sofia: Hmaruc, Zabavnik, Matic, Todorov, Gueye, Silva, Gargorov, Hidiouad, Yanev (Petar Dimitrov 35), Velizar Dimitrov (Sakaliev 59), Zadi (Yordanov 80).Subs Not Used: Maksic, Ivanov, Matko, Yurukov.

Booked: Hidiouad.

Goals: Velizar Dimitrov 45.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Luis Garcia, Gerrard (Sissoko 70), Alonso (Hamann 64), Warnock, Morientes (Barragan 79), Cisse.Subs Not Used: Carson, Baros, Whitbread.

Booked: Luis Garcia, Warnock.

Goals: Cisse 25, Morientes 31, 58.

Att: 16,512

Ref: Jan Wegereef (Holland).

(All match reaction/team info supplied by www.bbc.co.uk/football)