Basel eliminated Liverpool despite draw at Anfield
Basel advanced to the knockout stage of the Champions League and
eliminated 10-man Liverpool by drawing 1-1 at Anfield on Tuesday
(December 9th), with Steven Gerrard's latest moment of inspiration not
enough to save the five-time champions.
The Swiss visitors secured the point they required to advance alongside Group B winners Real Madrid, with midfielder Fabian Frei putting Basel ahead in the 25th minute with a low, angled strike.
Needing a victory to overtake Basel, Liverpool had half-time substitute Lazar Markovic sent off on the hour mark but Gerrard set up a grandstand finish by curling in a 20-metre free kick in the 81st minute.
Basel survived some nervy final moments, ensuring Liverpool finished third and drop into the Europa League.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admitted that his team weren't good enough to advance to the next level but he will make sure Liverpool are back to the competition not up to five years like they did before.
"Over the course of the games we weren't good enough, didn't collect enough points and ultimately went out. It's been a real good learning experience for us and we're going to fight as hard as we can to ensure it's not another five years (until we're in the Champions League)."~ Brendan Rodgers
Liverppol coach Rodgers believe the penalties awarded maybe the right calls. he also thought the sending off was a really, really disappointing decision by the referee. he said he is not sure if the Ref was close enough to make (the decision). he believe everyone looking at it will see young Lazar Markovic gets sent off for that, his fingernail barely touched the nose of the defender. he said the defender is the guy who should be looked at and sent off for his reaction.
The Swiss visitors secured the point they required to advance alongside Group B winners Real Madrid, with midfielder Fabian Frei putting Basel ahead in the 25th minute with a low, angled strike.
Needing a victory to overtake Basel, Liverpool had half-time substitute Lazar Markovic sent off on the hour mark but Gerrard set up a grandstand finish by curling in a 20-metre free kick in the 81st minute.
Basel survived some nervy final moments, ensuring Liverpool finished third and drop into the Europa League.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admitted that his team weren't good enough to advance to the next level but he will make sure Liverpool are back to the competition not up to five years like they did before.
"Over the course of the games we weren't good enough, didn't collect enough points and ultimately went out. It's been a real good learning experience for us and we're going to fight as hard as we can to ensure it's not another five years (until we're in the Champions League)."~ Brendan Rodgers
Liverppol coach Rodgers believe the penalties awarded maybe the right calls. he also thought the sending off was a really, really disappointing decision by the referee. he said he is not sure if the Ref was close enough to make (the decision). he believe everyone looking at it will see young Lazar Markovic gets sent off for that, his fingernail barely touched the nose of the defender. he said the defender is the guy who should be looked at and sent off for his reaction.
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