Football story by Georgina Scane, Sun, 06 Nov 2005 13:24:00 GMT


Reigning champions Liverpool showed others how it is done when they beat Belgian side Anderlect 3-0 in a clash at Anfield. Anderlect suffered their 11th successive Champions League loss. Fernando Morientes, Luis Garcia and Djibril Cisse finished in style as Rafael Benitez' men moved within inches of qualifying for the second stage of the competition.

Morientes set off with a classic goal in the 34th minute. The former Real Madrid hit man was put through by Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, who turned in another excellent performance. For the Belgian side, Nenad Ještrovic was sent off by referee Kim Milton Nielsen for allegedly heaping racial abuse on Mohamed Sissoko.

But it was Anderlect who had the first chance in the game with Pär Zetterberg sending the ball through to Swedish midfielder Christian Wilhelmsson, who was unable to reach it on time and Liverpool Goalkeeper José Manuel Reina safely collected the ball.
Boudewijn Zenden came on for Morientes in the 52nd minute, which meant that it was Garcia with the responsibility of supporting Crouch upfront.

He responded brilliantly and turned in Liverpool's second in the 61st minute. In the closing minutes, substitute Cissé added a third to see Liverpool close out the game in style. Barring any miracles, it is now safe to assume that Liverpool would make the cut for the second stage.

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