Liverpool was so close to victory yesterday in Lyon. After shutting out Les Gones for 83 minutes, a Ryan Babel wonder goal broke the deadlock, handing Rafa and the Reds a lifeline in Group E. A win against the French powerhouse would throw them back in the thick of things. But it was not to be, as Lisandro Lopez capitalized on some poor Liverpool defending to snatch a 1-1 draw that sealed Lyon's passage to the knockout stage.
Joining Lyon in qualification was Sevilla, who drew 1-1 against Vfb Stuttgart in Spain. That result, combined with the 1-1 draw between Rangers and Unirea Urziceni in Romania was enough for the La Liga side to claim their spot from Group G. It was a positive response for Rangers, after falling 4-1 at home to the Romanians on the previous matchday.
Arsenal wasn't as fortunate to secure a second round spot, but are all but there after cruising 4-1 against AZ Alkmaar. They were denied by Standard Liege's 2-0 win over Olympiakos in Belgium. Making Liverpool's bid to qualify for the knockout stages even more difficult was Fiorentina's 5-2 win against Debrecen. Barcelona's Champions League future is far from assured after they could only must a point against Rubin Kazan in a 0-0 draw. That, combined with Inter's 2-1 win over Dynamo Kiev leaves Barcelona tied for second with Rubin in Group F.
What did you think of yesterday's Champions League action? Are Barcelona or Liverpool in dire straights? Which game did you watch yesterday?
Share your thoughts below.
Ives Galarcep is an American soccer columnist for ESPNsoccernet.com and creator of SoccerByIves.net.
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