Filed under: Liverpool, Europa League (UEFA), Football, Match Reports
Not even £35 million man Andy Carroll's second-half introduction could rescue Liverpool as Alan's first-half penalty gave Braga the upper hand in their Europa League last 16 first leg in Portugal.The Brazilian fired home from the spot after just 18 minutes at the Estadio Municipal following a reckless challenge inside the penalty area by Sotirios Kyrgiakos on Mossoro.
It ensured a week which began with a famous victory over bitter rivals Manchester United ended on a sour note for Kenny Dalglish's side, who continue to be thwarted by their lack of goals in continental competition this season.
They will still fancy their chances of progressing from next Thursday's second leg back on home soil at Anfield, however they will have to raise their game after a lacklustre display, which improved only marginally following the 57th-minute arrival of record signing Carroll for his second Reds appearance.
Referee Serge Gumienny did the game few favours with his incessant whistle-blowing but he had no choice but to point to the spot when Kyrgiakos mistimed a challenge on Mossoro inside the box and Alan's drilled shot into the bottom-left corner left Pepe Reina with no chance.
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With their midfield gifting possession away cheaply and a frustrated Dirk Kuyt cutting a lonely figure on his own up front, Dalglish's side looked on the ropes and they had the woodwork to thank when left-back Silvo's long-range thunderbolt crashed against the crossbar as half-time approached.
Carroll was introduced for the disappointing Christian Poulsen and within two minutes the former Newcastle striker had almost made an instant impact, flicking into the path of Kuyt only for the Dutchman's sloppy first touch to allow Braga goalkeeper Artur to smother.
Liverpool finished the stronger and referee Gumienny waved away Cole's penalty claims when he collided with Kaka inside the area and the defender could count himself lucky to avoid a red card for use of the elbow on Carroll in added time to compound a frustrating night for the Merseyside club.
REACTION:
Dalglish criticised his team for their first-half display:
"The way we started the game the first 35 minutes...we were terrible. Although they never had a great deal of pressure, they got the pen. He was going nowhere. I think that just summed up the way we approached the game."
On their improved efforts after the break:
"Certainly, To the boys credit they picked it up in the second half and increased the tempo and had a go, which was pleasing. With a wee bit of luck we might have got one back."
On their chances of progressing:
"I think at 1-0 we've got a chance but if we play like that at Anfield we haven't got any chance. It's only 1-0 so we'll go back there and see what happens."
WHAT IT MEANS:
A disappointing night for the Reds but Carroll's cameo display was a major plus. They remain more than capable of progressing - so long as they can keep it tight at the back and avoid conceding an away goal.
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