Liverpool against Marseille

Long balls are order of the day now. It's kitchen sink time for Liverpool who are trying all they can to find an unlikely leveller.

A late change for the visitors as Zenden trudges off for Modeste M'Bami.

11-8 reads the shots count in favour of the visitors. That shouldn't surprise you because they really have bullied Liverpool here.

Liverpool press forward in search of a crucial equaliser. Plenty of possession but not in the areas that count.

Star of the show Valbuena comes off to a warm reception from those in the away end. Wilson Oruma comes on for the closing stages.

A few jeers and moans from the Anfield faithful sum up their thoughts on the Liverpool performance.

Ziani gets another shot on target for the French. It was speculative and just the right height for Reina to clutch.

10 minutes remain for Liverpool to level, though despite their pitiful performance.

This has been a remarkable performance from Marseille. What a breath of fresh air they have been and should they hold on for another 15 or so minutes, they'll become the first French side to ever win at Anfield.

Boy do they deserve that! They've been in disarray for the past five minutes and eventually crumble. Mind you, not many would have been able to keep MATHIEU VALBUENA'S effort out. He curled it from five yards outside the box and it rattled in off the bar. Tremendous goal!

GOAL: LIVERPOOL 0-1 MARSEILLE

Cisse gets into space on the left edge of the box but scuffs his right foot effort and Reina can gather.

Once again Crouch fails to finish a game. He has produced precious little tonight though and can't have too many complaints. Kuyt comes on in his place.

Marseille certainly don't deserve to leave Anfield without at least a point and they survive a rare attack from a corner as Hyypia nods wide from five yards. Tough chance, yards wide.

Another goal in Valencia and it's gone to Chelsea thanks to Didier Drogba's fine finish.

For 70 minutes Marseille have passed confidently and dominated proceedings. But there's 20 minutes to go and Liverpool will not want to finish without a goal.

All square at Celtic as Milan hit back with a penalty.

Here comes the change at last. After some confusion with the switch, Voronin comes on for Aurelio, while former Red Cisse comes on for Niang.

Marseille continue to come forward with all the self belief and freedom of a side on the up. On paper they're in crisis, on the pitch they're in heaven... well not quite, but you get the idea.

Nothing doing back at Anfield though and Rafa's going to make another change.

Update from Celtic Park and a shock as the hosts go 1-0 up against mighty Milan.

Marseille winning every first and second ball in midfield. Liverpool have been steamrolled in that department tonight.

Gerrard tries a curler at the other end but it drops just wide. Keeper had it covered.

Thunderous hit from Niang after being teed up by Ziani. It was a well-worked free-kick and the shot beat the wall and almost squirmed underneath the keeper. Good effort.

So much room for Marseille in midfield and Zenden decides to exploit it. He slashes a shot low and wide to the relief of Reina.

The Liverpool faithful try desperately to raise the spirits of this lacklustre performance. They're doing their all from the stands, but the players simply aren't responding.

Mandanda hasn't had much to do tonight but he came and collected that cross superbly. He rose above Crouch and smothered out the danger.

Still no spark from Liverpool. The possession is changing hands regularly now but it's Marseille who are just edging it in terms of getting players into dangerous areas. Still no goals, though.

The French fans are loving this. No idea what they're singing but it sounds like fun.

Benayoun looks to get Torres on his way with a cheeky throughball. Overhit though and Mandanda hoovers up.

David Gest, I mean Rafa Benitez, is on his feet barking out a new set of instructions. Whatever he told his side at the break hasn't worked so far.

Peter Crouch has a swish trying to make contact with a Benayoun cross from the right. He doesn't get all that much on it and it shins away to safety. Encouragement for the Reds though.

Sissoko finds his way into the book after a late lunge on Cheyrou. That's both central midfielders booked tonight.

He's only waited six minutes to make his change. Rafa Benitez hauls off the disappointing Sebastien Leto for John Arne Riise.

Niang is again presented with a clear chance. He scuffs at it from the edge of the box and Reina gets down easily to make the save.

Liverpool forced to defend again in the opening minutes. Zenden breaks down the middle and is thwarted by Carragher.

Some glum faces in the Kop end tonight. Liverpool are shooting toward their favoured end this half and will want some of that passion restored double quick.

Carragher and Benayoun were 20 yards deeper than they ought to have been in the first half and will need to press forward if they want to trouble the back line.

I'm a little surprised Rafa didn't alter things at the break. He must have rattled his players verbally during the interval in hope of sparking some life into his charges.

No changes at the break and Marseille get us back under way.

Eric Gerets must be delighted with his side's first half. The Marseille fans certainly are! They've dominated proceedings and should be a goal up but for a dismal offside decision. Join us for the second half.

HALF-TIME: LIVERPOOL 0-0 MARSEILLE

Free-kick in a dangerous position and Zenden swings it over. Reina keeps an eye on his post and watches it whistle wide.

Reina has been by far the busier of the two keepers. He's had to be alert to a string of runs in behind his defence by the lively pairing of Niang and Ziani.

The linesman gets an offside decision right this time, but again Liverpool are carved open. Ziani again at the heart of the move but the flag halts him in his tracks.

You get the feeling Liverpool have paid Marseille a little too much respect than they deserve. They're standing off their markers and the French are being allowed to spray the ball all around the park.

Ziani again gets some room down the right but decides against a shot from the right edge of the box and Aurelio recovers to clear.

Mandanda in the Marseille has had nothing to do so far. Barring a couple of goal kicks, he's barely earned his crust tonight.

It's unsually subdued inside Anfield and that's all down to Marseille's positive start. Many thought they would come here and park the bus but they're comign forward with ease and expressing themselves at every opportunity.

Liverpool are standing off their opponents and it's drawing the visitors forward and giving them their freedom and confidence to push on. They need to get tighter in midfield if they're to influence the game.

What a let-off for Liverpool. The ball is in the back of the net through Ziani but it won't count. The linesman has his flag up as he believed Niang to be offside from the initial cross. Very harsh decision indeed and Liverpool can count themselves lucky not to be a goal behind.

Best passage of play of the half for Liverpool. A fine build-up ends with a Finnan cross that is well cleared. Not an effort on goal but encouraging.

Out of frustration, Gerrard thumps a low drive from all of 35 yards that bobbles through to Manadanda. Not going to beat him from there, Stevie.

The visitors are dealing well with everything Liverpool can muster at the moment.

The away support are holding their own inside Anfield. It's not often you can say that, but they have every right to be proud of their lads.

Wonderful sliding tackle from Givet. Gerrard angled through a crisp pass that Torres tried to chase down but Givet was alert to it.

Better now for Liverpool. Crouch, Leto and Torres combine neatly before Rodriguez steps in to make a timely interception. No real threat but Liverpool at least getting their foot on the ball.

Marseille are really working Liverpool hard. They're enjoying themselves tonight and throwing always looking to open up the hosts.

Disjointed this from Liverpool. Not much is going their way and there's a lack of cohesion among the red shirts.

Greedy from Naing. He had the chance to take an extra touch and bring down Givet's sweeping pass but he went for glory with a volley and completely fluffed it.

Chelsea are back level in their tie in Valencia. Joe Cole has bagged the equaliser.

Liverpool switch off from the resulting free-kick and Bonnart is allowed to run and cross down the right for Cana who nods on to the roof of the net.

Booking for Gerrard. He got plenty of the ball but even more of the man and the ref won't be having any of that.

Lively start from the French. It wasn't what Rafa Benitez was expecting and they've found themselves some room in midfield so far.

Careless pass after careless pass. Sloppy would be the perfect word to describe Liverpool's opening 15 minutes. Momo Sissoko is chief culprit so far.

The crowd have been hushed and that must have been the visitors' first objective. In fact, the opposing fans break out into song in praise of their side.

A nervy start indeed for Liverpool. They've begun in a similar vein to that of their first half in Porto. It's disjointed and they haven't got going at all.

First chance of the game falls to Niang just a minute later as a mistake from Aurelio allows Ziani to feed Niang and he drills an effort at Reina. The keeper did well to stand up and block the danger but Liverpool were caught out by Niang's pace.

Shocker of a decision from the ref. It wasn't in a dangerous area but Niang pushed the ball beyond Carragher and the defender shoved him to ground. No free-kick, though.

Gerrard flips in a cross from deep that Cana rises well to clear. Rain easing somewhat now.

Update from Valencia and it's not good news for Chelsea. They've fallen behind to David Villa's 9th minute strike.

At least they've started positively, mind. I was expecting them to sit back from the off but right-back Bonnart has made some headway down the flank.

Zenden clatters his former team-mate Sami Hyypia for a foul. As you would have seen on the site this week, the Dutchman has been giving his new boss plenty of tips on how Liverpool play. They're going to need as much help as they can tonight.

One or two misplaced passes from the home side allow Marseille a brief spell on the ball. Important few minutes for the French to build soem confidence.

Heavy first touch from Torres allows Mandanda to sweep up the danger inside the box. Poor that from the Spaniard but the wet surface may bring more such mistakes.

Taiwo concedes a corner early doors but Gerrard's delivery from the right finds the man who conceded the set-piece and Marseille clear.

Weather watch - it's absolutely lashing it down in Merseyside tonight. The surface is very greasy already which should make for some tasty tackles.

Crouch and Torres get us under way.

Here we go then, we've heard those two iconic anthemns - You'll never walk alone and that wonderful Champions League tune, and the players are ready for the off.

Fourth bottom, the new manager's first game in charge, star player Nasri out - this could be a cricket score for Liverpool. Well maybe not, but the hosts will certainly fancy their chances tonight.

For former Liverpool man Djibril Cisse there was the disappointment of only being named on the bench for Marseille following a groin injury earlier in the week, but another ex-Anfield man Bolo Zenden started the match for the French club.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez leaves out full-back Alvaro Arbeloa for the first time this season. Sebastian Leto started on the left flank ahead of John Arne Riise and Ryan Babel, while Peter Crouch partnered Fernando Torres up front, with Yossi Benayoun on the right. Andriy Voronin, Dirk Kuyt and Javier Mascherano were all substitutes.

Welcome along to part two of our live Champions League commentaries. Tonight we've got two matches for you to choose from. My esteemed colleague will be handling Valencia v Chelsea while I've got Liverpool v Marseille.

Another goal in Valencia and it's gone to Chelsea thanks to Didier Drogba's fine finish.

For 70 minutes Marseille have passed confidently and dominated proceedings. But there's 20 minutes to go and Liverpool will not want to finish without a goal.

All square at Celtic as Milan hit back with a penalty.

Here comes the change at last. After some confusion with the switch, Voronin comes on for Aurelio, while former Red Cisse comes on for Niang.

Marseille continue to come forward with all the self belief and freedom of a side on the up. On paper they're in crisis, on the pitch they're in heaven... well not quite, but you get the idea.

Nothing doing back at Anfield though and Rafa's going to make another change.

Update from Celtic Park and a shock as the hosts go 1-0 up against mighty Milan.

Marseille winning every first and second ball in midfield. Liverpool have been steamrolled in that department tonight.

Gerrard tries a curler at the other end but it drops just wide. Keeper had it covered.

Thunderous hit from Niang after being teed up by Ziani. It was a well-worked free-kick and the shot beat the wall and almost squirmed underneath the keeper. Good effort.

So much room for Marseille in midfield and Zenden decides to exploit it. He slashes a shot low and wide to the relief of Reina.

The Liverpool faithful try desperately to raise the spirits of this lacklustre performance. They're doing their all from the stands, but the players simply aren't responding.

Mandanda hasn't had much to do tonight but he came and collected that cross superbly. He rose above Crouch and smothered out the danger.

Still no spark from Liverpool. The possession is changing hands regularly now but it's Marseille who are just edging it in terms of getting players into dangerous areas. Still no goals, though.

The French fans are loving this. No idea what they're singing but it sounds like fun.

Benayoun looks to get Torres on his way with a cheeky throughball. Overhit though and Mandanda hoovers up.

David Gest, I mean Rafa Benitez, is on his feet barking out a new set of instructions. Whatever he told his side at the break hasn't worked so far.

Peter Crouch has a swish trying to make contact with a Benayoun cross from the right. He doesn't get all that much on it and it shins away to safety. Encouragement for the Reds though.

Sissoko finds his way into the book after a late lunge on Cheyrou. That's both central midfielders booked tonight.

He's only waited six minutes to make his change. Rafa Benitez hauls off the disappointing Sebastien Leto for John Arne Riise.

Niang is again presented with a clear chance. He scuffs at it from the edge of the box and Reina gets down easily to make the save.

Liverpool forced to defend again in the opening minutes. Zenden breaks down the middle and is thwarted by Carragher.

Some glum faces in the Kop end tonight. Liverpool are shooting toward their favoured end this half and will want some of that passion restored double quick.

Carragher and Benayoun were 20 yards deeper than they ought to have been in the first half and will need to press forward if they want to trouble the back line.

I'm a little surprised Rafa didn't alter things at the break. He must have rattled his players verbally during the interval in hope of sparking some life into his charges.

No changes at the break and Marseille get us back under way.

Eric Gerets must be delighted with his side's first half. The Marseille fans certainly are! They've dominated proceedings and should be a goal up but for a dismal offside decision. Join us for the second half.

HALF-TIME: LIVERPOOL 0-0 MARSEILLE

Free-kick in a dangerous position and Zenden swings it over. Reina keeps an eye on his post and watches it whistle wide.

Reina has been by far the busier of the two keepers. He's had to be alert to a string of runs in behind his defence by the lively pairing of Niang and Ziani.

The linesman gets an offside decision right this time, but again Liverpool are carved open. Ziani again at the heart of the move but the flag halts him in his tracks.

You get the feeling Liverpool have paid Marseille a little too much respect than they deserve. They're standing off their markers and the French are being allowed to spray the ball all around the park.

Ziani again gets some room down the right but decides against a shot from the right edge of the box and Aurelio recovers to clear.

Mandanda in the Marseille has had nothing to do so far. Barring a couple of goal kicks, he's barely earned his crust tonight.

It's unsually subdued inside Anfield and that's all down to Marseille's positive start. Many thought they would come here and park the bus but they're comign forward with ease and expressing themselves at every opportunity.

Liverpool are standing off their opponents and it's drawing the visitors forward and giving them their freedom and confidence to push on. They need to get tighter in midfield if they're to influence the game.

What a let-off for Liverpool. The ball is in the back of the net through Ziani but it won't count. The linesman has his flag up as he believed Niang to be offside from the initial cross. Very harsh decision indeed and Liverpool can count themselves lucky not to be a goal behind.

Best passage of play of the half for Liverpool. A fine build-up ends with a Finnan cross that is well cleared. Not an effort on goal but encouraging.

Out of frustration, Gerrard thumps a low drive from all of 35 yards that bobbles through to Manadanda. Not going to beat him from there, Stevie.

The visitors are dealing well with everything Liverpool can muster at the moment.

The away support are holding their own inside Anfield. It's not often you can say that, but they have every right to be proud of their lads.

Wonderful sliding tackle from Givet. Gerrard angled through a crisp pass that Torres tried to chase down but Givet was alert to it.

Better now for Liverpool. Crouch, Leto and Torres combine neatly before Rodriguez steps in to make a timely interception. No real threat but Liverpool at least getting their foot on the ball.

Marseille are really working Liverpool hard. They're enjoying themselves tonight and throwing always looking to open up the hosts.

Disjointed this from Liverpool. Not much is going their way and there's a lack of cohesion among the red shirts.

Greedy from Naing. He had the chance to take an extra touch and bring down Givet's sweeping pass but he went for glory with a volley and completely fluffed it.

Chelsea are back level in their tie in Valencia. Joe Cole has bagged the equaliser.

Liverpool switch off from the resulting free-kick and Bonnart is allowed to run and cross down the right for Cana who nods on to the roof of the net.

Booking for Gerrard. He got plenty of the ball but even more of the man and the ref won't be having any of that.

Lively start from the French. It wasn't what Rafa Benitez was expecting and they've found themselves some room in midfield so far.

Careless pass after careless pass. Sloppy would be the perfect word to describe Liverpool's opening 15 minutes. Momo Sissoko is chief culprit so far.

The crowd have been hushed and that must have been the visitors' first objective. In fact, the opposing fans break out into song in praise of their side.

A nervy start indeed for Liverpool. They've begun in a similar vein to that of their first half in Porto. It's disjointed and they haven't got going at all.

First chance of the game falls to Niang just a minute later as a mistake from Aurelio allows Ziani to feed Niang and he drills an effort at Reina. The keeper did well to stand up and block the danger but Liverpool were caught out by Niang's pace.

Shocker of a decision from the ref. It wasn't in a dangerous area but Niang pushed the ball beyond Carragher and the defender shoved him to ground. No free-kick, though.

Gerrard flips in a cross from deep that Cana rises well to clear. Rain easing somewhat now.

Update from Valencia and it's not good news for Chelsea. They've fallen behind to David Villa's 9th minute strike.

At least they've started positively, mind. I was expecting them to sit back from the off but right-back Bonnart has made some headway down the flank.

Zenden clatters his former team-mate Sami Hyypia for a foul. As you would have seen on the site this week, the Dutchman has been giving his new boss plenty of tips on how Liverpool play. They're going to need as much help as they can tonight.

One or two misplaced passes from the home side allow Marseille a brief spell on the ball. Important few minutes for the French to build soem confidence.

Heavy first touch from Torres allows Mandanda to sweep up the danger inside the box. Poor that from the Spaniard but the wet surface may bring more such mistakes.

Taiwo concedes a corner early doors but Gerrard's delivery from the right finds the man who conceded the set-piece and Marseille clear.

Weather watch - it's absolutely lashing it down in Merseyside tonight. The surface is very greasy already which should make for some tasty tackles.

Crouch and Torres get us under way.

Here we go then, we've heard those two iconic anthemns - You'll never walk alone and that wonderful Champions League tune, and the players are ready for the off.

Fourth bottom, the new manager's first game in charge, star player Nasri out - this could be a cricket score for Liverpool. Well maybe not, but the hosts will certainly fancy their chances tonight.

For former Liverpool man Djibril Cisse there was the disappointment of only being named on the bench for Marseille following a groin injury earlier in the week, but another ex-Anfield man Bolo Zenden started the match for the French club.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez leaves out full-back Alvaro Arbeloa for the first time this season. Sebastian Leto started on the left flank ahead of John Arne Riise and Ryan Babel, while Peter Crouch partnered Fernando Torres up front, with Yossi Benayoun on the right. Andriy Voronin, Dirk Kuyt and Javier Mascherano were all substitutes.

Welcome along to part two of our live Champions League commentaries. Tonight we've got two matches for you to choose from. My esteemed colleague will be handling Valencia v Chelsea while I've got Liverpool v Marseille.