Liverpool’s forced entry

Liverpool 0 CSKA Sofia 1

Anfield breathed a collective sign of relief as an under-strengthen Liverpool were run ragged by Sofia, who took a 15th-minute lead through Valentin Iliev and threatened throughout to extend that lead.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez made five changes from the side that beat Sunderland. With Steven Gerrard injured, Benitez also rested Jose Reina, Xabi Alonso, Jamie Carragher and Bolo Zenden, and brought in Josemi, Scott Carson, Dietmar Hamann, John Arne Riise and Darren Potter.