Liverpool surge into last 16

LIVERPOOL surged into the last 16 of the UEFA Cup with the sort of rewarding display which will lift the pressure from manager Gerard Houllier.

Levski Sofia 2 Liverpool 4 (Liverpool win 6-2)

Houllier's much-maligned team produced a display of goals and thrills to mend the wounds of a season of criticism which culminated in a death threat to the Anfield boss. However, on a freezing night in Bulgaria, the Frenchman looked warm and content - and his applause and clenched fist salute to the massed ranks of the visiting fans at the end of his 50th European game of his Anfield career spoke volumes.