Kuyt shows his off-target Reds the way
LIVERPOOL (1) vs DEBRECEN (0)
LIVERPOOL boss Rafael Benitez insisted he was happy with his team’s effort despite struggling to a narrow victory over Champions League minnows Debrecen.
Dirk Kuyt’s winner on the stroke of half time proved the difference between the two sides in Benitez’s 300th match in charge.
Five-time champions Liverpool were expected to roll over their Hungarian opponents at fortress Anfield, but Benitez was just relieved to pick up the three points after a frustrating night against the plucky visitors.
“We had three or four good chances and if we take our chances it would be easier,” the Spaniard said. “But it’s 1-0, and most important is to get the three points. In the first half we had two or three very good chances and in the second half the same. People didn’t know what to expect but they showed they’re not bad.”
Kuyt struck the Liverpool winner in first half stoppage time after Debrecen goalkeeper Vukasin Poleksic failed to hold Torres’ shot.
It proved to be the highlight of an otherwise disappointing encounter at an unusually subdued Anfield as Debrecen, the first Hungarian side in the group phase of the Champions League for 14 years, gave a decent account of themselves.
Home keeper Pepe Reina tipped Peter Czvitkovic’s 18-yard shot over before the Reds then took control with Poleksic twice keeping out efforts from Albert Riera. Kuyt then saw an effort cleared off the line before breaking the deadlock and the Reds never looked back. Yossi Benyoun twice went close while Gerrard fired a 20-yard shot just over, leaving Benitez satisfied with the points in the bag.