Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez did not quite evoke the spirit of Istanbul in his half-time team talk at Anfield but his instructions to his players certainly had an effect.

Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez knows a thing or two about second-half comebacks and he duly effected another as his side came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with former club Liverpool.

Steven Gerrard’s forthcoming move to LA Galaxy means he will fail to join an illustrious band of professional footballers who have spent their entire senior careers at one club.

It’s a hectic time for Xabi Alonso and his beard. First the midfielder announced his retirement from international football – now it seems he’s about to move from Real Madrid to Bayern Munich.

In the immediate aftermath of Selhurst Park, Liverpool didn’t look like a team ready to roar into a defiant response. They were, in the words of Brendan Rodgers, "devastated".

Steve Clarke believes all managers are temporary as the West Brom head coach prepares to take his side to play Rafael Benitez’s Chelsea tomorrow.

Cardiff 2 Liverpool 2 (after extra-time, Liverpool win 3-2 on penalties)

JONATHAN SEXTON’S half-time speech to his team-mates has already entered rugby folklore for the way it inspired a remarkable turnaround in the province’s fortunes.

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish said his appearance in a new film set around the 2005 Champions League Final is his “first and last” on the big screen.

STEVEN GERRARD insists he and Frank Lampard will keep working on their midfield partnership for England until they get it right.

ISA NACEWA may have played the closing minutes of Leinster’s game with a broken arm last Friday but he was by no means the first sportsman to push through that pain barrier.

Jerzy Dudek is set to be unveiled as Real Madrid’s latest signing tomorrow, the Spanish giants have announced.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas would welcome the arrival of Jerzy Dudek if the Polish international shot-stopper joins the Spanish giants during the close season.

Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler will say his last goodbye to the Kop on Sunday but Jerzy Dudek looks set to be consigned to a walk-on part.

THE HOME of Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina was burgled on Tuesday night, while he played in the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea.

Rafael Benitez is certain Liverpool’s inconsistency in domestic competition will have no effect on their Champions League fate.

The 50th birthday of UEFA will be marked at tomorrow night’s eircom League Cup quarter-final between Longford Town and Dublin City at Flancare Park (kick-off 7.45pm).