Shocked Reds trail CSKA at half-time

Liverpool 0 CSKA Sofia 1

Liverpool’s nerves were jangling as Bulgarians CSKA Sofia threatened to end their Champions League participation by snatching a shock early goal at Anfield.

The holders were expected to sweep past a side they had beaten 3-1 in the first leg of their qualifier, but when Valentin Iliev hooked home a fine effort from the edge of the box, Liverpool’s confidence evaporated.

They could easily have conceded another goal to Yordan Todorov soon after, and it was a relief when German referee Wolfgang Stark blew his whistle for half-time.