Three-goal Reds rock Bayer

LIVERPOOL produced an outstanding display to put themselves on the brink of a Champions League quarter-final place, soured only by a late Leverkusen away goal.

First-half goals from Luis Garcia and John Arne Riise had Anfield buzzing, and in injury time Dietmar Hamann scored direct from a free-kick.

But seconds later substitute Franca grabbed Leverkusen a lifeline of an away goal to keep their hopes alive ahead of the return in a fortnight.