Champions League: All square midway through half

Liverpool 0, Bay Leverkusen 0 (latest)

England midfielder Steven Gerrard returned to the Liverpool line-up for the crucial Champions League game against the Bundesliga leaders tonight.

Gerrard had missed the victory over Charlton at the weekend because of a groin jury. He replaced Czech international Patrik Berger, who had to settle for a place on the bench.

England striker Emile Heskey suffered a bruised foot in Saturday’s game but passed a late fitness test.

He partnered Michael Owen up front with Liverpool hoping to build up a head of steam in this quarter-final first leg match.

They have also been mean at the back in recent weeks, however, with keeper Jerzy Dudek conceding just one goal in 10 games.

With manager Gerard Houllier expected to be in the dug-out and continuing his recuperation from major heart surgery, it was expected to be an emotional night at Anfield.

Leverkusen, who topped a group including Deportivo La Coruna and Arsenal, included the Brazilian Ze Roberto in their team.

His future is clouded in doubt with Bayern Munich expressing an interest in the player yesterday by posting a notice on their official website.