UEFA Champions League Group E Week 1 Results

European Football's Premier Tournament Game Week One Review

Sep 25, 2009

The Champions League group stages are under way. Here are the results of the first round of Group E matches. Debrecen at Liverpool and Fiorentina at Lyon.

Liverpool 1 – Debrecen 0

Liverpool began their 2009-2010 Champions League campaign with an effort that will leave many people wonder just how far they can progress in the knock out stages. The Reds claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Debrecen in a display that can best be described as lackluster and uninspiring. However, Liverpool’s worst effort was better than the best the Hungarian champions could put forth. Debrecen, playing in their first ever group stage game, were unlikely to claim a point at Anfield, but no one could have expected such a tight affair to unfold. Despite Liverpool’s sloppy first half play, always reliable Dirk Kuyt put his team ahead just seconds before the break by netting the rebound of a Fernando Torres shot. The goal was the difference that was needed to give Liverpool all three points. However, the game did not go without its share of drama as Debrecen made a push in the waning moments of the game which forced Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez to bring on defensive reinforcements to help seal the victory.

Game Notes: Star midfielder Steven Gerrard picked up a wasteful yellow card in the 26th for testing referee Pedro Proenca’s patience by taking a free kick early despite deliberate instruction to await the officials whistle.

Lyon 1 – Fiorentina 0

The Group E opener between Lyon and Fiorentina got off to an explosive start with Fiorentina striker Alberto Gilardino being sent off at the cusp of the break essentially dooming his team mates’ chances to earn crucial away points. In clash of two teams striving to join likely group winner Liverpool in the knock out stages, the sending off the Italian international gave the hosts the advantage they needed to seal the victory. Miralem Pianic’s put back of the rebound of a Kim Kallstrom shot proved to be the winner for Lyon despite Fiorentina keeper Sebastien Frey’s valiant efforts defending the Italian club’s net. Despite making a game of it in the first half, Fiorentina out manned after Gilardino’s sending off and eventually the hosts broke through. Gilardino was sent off for a viscous elbow to Lyon defender Jeremy Toulalan in first half injury time. The pair had already clashed a few times prior to the sending off, but ultimately the Gilardino’s elbow was judged to have been intentional by referee Pieter Vink and the game changed dramatically in the hosts favor.

Upcoming Matches

Fiorentina versus Liverpool – Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence, Italy

Fiorentina will look to bounce back after a disappointing effort at Lyon. The Viola will be without Italian international Alberto Gilardino after his silly sending off in France. Sebastien Frey will have to produce another great game in front of the hosts net while Adrian Mutu and Stevan Jovetic will be looked upon to create havoc in the Liverpool defense. The Reds will have plenty of talent to call upon and manager Rafa Benitez will challenge his squad to look more the part as one of the tournament favorites. This game is more critical for Fiorentina than it is for Liverpool, but both sides will covet all three points.

Debrecen versus Lyon – Stadion Olah Gabor Utcai, Debrecen, Hungary

While Debrecen did not play particularly beautiful football versus Liverpool, they did manage to keep the English giants to just one goal on their home pitch (thanks in part to Liverpool’s questionable effort). The Hungarians will have to do better to earn a point in this group and visiting Lyon will be their first chance to show their capabilities. Ultimately Lyon is just too talented for Debrecen and should take all three points. Should they succeed and Liverpool struggle at Fiorentina, they will seize an early advantage in Group E which could prove critical in late November.

Current Group D Standings

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Sep 30, 2009 5:21 AM

Guest :

liverpool is the best club in the hole world . With the best player , how you thik it is ....... Gerard or maby Kuyt no! it is...... Fernando Torres . He is fast can control the bal en shoots very good. And hij is the base of liverpool without hem ze are'nt so good.
this is my comment :P:D
Bye en remember Torres!!!!!...... he is the best!!!!