Besiktas against Liverpool

It's all Liverpool now, as you would expect. The home support has gone from buoyant to nervy since Gerrard's leveller.

Goalscorer Bobo makes way for Diatta who will no doubt come on to mark Peter Crouch who has also been introduced for Liverpool.

STEVEN GERRARD gives Liverpool hope with a powerful diving header from just inside the box after Besiktas failed to clear their lines. Game on!

GOAL: BESIKTAS 2-1 LIVERPOOL

Besiktas have shown enough spirit and adventure to warrant their second goal. Liverpool have huffed and puffed and are still giving it their all.

Game over! He should have scored moments earlier but 'Bobo' does this time. Liverpool were carved open and the Brazilian tucked his finish under the keeper.

GOAL: BESIKTAS 2-0 LIVERPOOL

The game has opened right out now and a goal could have come at either end. Besiktas will kick themselves if they draw or lose this one, although Liverpool too, will wonder how they've not found the net.

Incredible chance for Besiktas to put this game to bed. They completely outnumbered the Reds defence and Avci's cross is somehow flicked over by the outstretched boot of Deivson.

Benayoun up the other end is picked out at the back post but dithers when he shold have shot and Besiktas recover to clear. From eight yards out the winger should have buried it, but Besiktas survive once more.

Substitute Higuain makes a mockery of the Liverpool defence as he glides through two weak challenges and forces Reina into a vital save when one-on-one.

That was better from Liverpool, they carved them open and made the Besiktas defence look ragged. You feel a goal is on the cards for Liverpool now.

The ganme is opening up again now and Gerrard drives through the defence and plays a neat one-two with Benayoun and stabs an effort on goal. The keeper is off his line quickly though, and smothers the shot.

Liverpool come forward again but Hyypia's tame header from a corner bobbles harmlessly wide. The finishing needs to be better than that!

Benayoun drills into the net from seven yards but it won't count. Voronin was offside in the build-up and Besiktas survive.

A frustrating night for Liverpool. There's plenty of time to get one back but they're lacking the spark and invention at present.

Another chance for Besiktas as Liverpool get caught out at the back. They were strangely outnumbered and but for Avci straying offside, the hosts may have had another effort on goal.

It hasn't happened too often but Zan gets beyond his marker and slashes a firm shot wide from 20 yards. Another warning for Liverpool.

Delgado's night comes to an end with Higuain coming on to freshen up the Besiktas midfield.

30 minutes is a long time to hold out for but it seems as if Besiktas are happy to give it a try - it's one up front for the hosts now.

Good spell this for Liverpool now. The Reds are on top and looking to draw level. The Besiktas box falls under siege with Babel getting off a shot that Arikan gets down well to.

Benitez decides to make a change with Pennant making way for Benayoun down the right wing.

Excellent chance for Gerrard to level. Voronin cushions a header for his skipper who drills a left-foot volley inches wide. Fantastic effort.

The stats show 61%-31% possession in favour of Liverpool but they need to turn that into chances.

Panic in the Besiktas defence. Deivson plays Pennant onside and is forced into making a vital tackle to deny the winger a shot on goal from the right edge of the box.

Gerrard looks to lay in Voronin but it doesn't come off for the skipper. Voronin hasn't offered much so far and would be my first choice for a change.

The home side look even more inclined to hold back this half. They've set up very defensively and inviting Liverpool on to them.

Liverpool will be wary of that break from the hosts. They're happy to soak up the play when Liverpool have it, but a quick break may spring a surprise.

The rain is lashing down in Istanbul now and Liverpool are again forcing their passes. Carragher makes a superb last-ditch challenge on Deivson to stop the Brazilian from scoring.

Not much came from the front men in the first half. They'll have to throw caution to the wind this half to break down Besiktas back line and they'll have to go some to quell this vociforous crowd.

Bright and breezy start from the hosts. Delgado gets involved in a quick break and Carragher does well to clear the danger.

Right, Rafa's had his 15 minutes to inspire his players and the're back out for the second half. Besiktas restart the game.

One of the strangest goals you'll see means Besiktas lead Liverpool 1-0 at the break. They could have scored the first goal through Voronin but Hyypia did find the net, his own, after comical defending.

HALF-TIME: BESIKTAS 1-0 LIVERPOOL

Free-kick from Gerrard causes sine confusion in the box as the keeper comes to claim a ball that his defender Toraman heads up and over the bar. They survive though, and half-time beckons.

Besiktas counter and try to catch Liverpool sleeping. Pennant was caught on the halfway line and with four players forward, Zan should have done better with his cross. It evades everyone and Liverpool can clear.

Ealry change for the hosts as Kurtulus hobbles off with a calf strain with Avci coming on in his place.

Another poor pass, this time from Hyypia and Tello sets off on an ambitious run. Gerrard tracks back and reclaims possession for Liverpool, but more poor passing.

Besiktas look neat and tidy on the ball while Liverpool are being rushed and are sending passes all over the place. There's plenty of experience out there not to panic, but you feel it needs Gerrard to settle his side down.

Precious little invention from the Liverpool front players. Kuyt, Voronin and Babel have flattered to deceive so far, unlike their opposite numbers.

Cisse lines up a sweet left-foot volley from a corner that narrowly sails over the bar. He was unmarked from the corner and Liverpool could easily have found themselves two down.

Desperate defending from Besiktas. Players throwing the bodies at Babel's cross, then Gerrard's long-range drive. Danger cleared for the hosts.

No panic yet from Liverpool, although they might need to liven things up if they want anything from this game.

No performances of note from the men in red. The wingers are being pinned back and the central midfielders aren't being allowed much time to create.

Stunning hit from Babel cutting in from the left. On to his right foot he cracks his effort narrowly wide of Arikan's post.

Liverpool still look slightly cautious going forward. They're not throwing numbers forward like they were in the opening stages - perhaps fearful of getting caught on the break again.

Besiktas have taken some of the sting out of the game after a frantic opening 15 minutes. It's suiting them too.

I don't think the home fans have ceased their chants all match. It's a stirring effort from those in the stands and the players are responding.

Voronin has a go from a long way out. He had Finnan rushing down his right and should have fed the Irisman who doesn't look best pleased as the striker's low drive bobbles well wide.

Besiktas are retreating whenever Liverpool get on the ball. They'll have to be careful not to fall to deep and get swamped by attacks, but they look relatively comfortable thus far.

Delgado has a crack from 30 yards out, but from that range and a tight angle, he's never going to trouble Reina.

Tremendous save from Arikan as denies Gerrard who escaped his marker in the box and volleyed downwards. The keeper was alert and is having a stormer so far.

Besiktas have gone into their shell somewhat since the goal but if they can withstand a period of Liverpool pressure they'll be happy.

Benitez is fuming on the bench and no wonder. Liverpool regroup and start to move upfield and reclaim possession.

Liverpool almost hit back straight away as Riise tries a dipping half-volley from 25 yards that is well tipped over by Arikan.

Besiktas can't believe their luck as they're gifted the lead against a rattled Liverpool. The stadium erupts.

Well, well, well. The hosts are ahead after some shambolic defending from Liverpool. Carragher smacks his clearance off Finnan and the loose ball falls to Serdar Ozcan who sidefoots home via a deflection off Hyypia. Laughable!

GOAL: BESIKTAS 1-0 LIVERPOOL

Update from Stamford Bridge and it's Chelsea who have the early breakthrough thanks to Malouda. 1-0.

Wonderful effort from the crowd so far. It's been relentless chanting and they're certainly getting stuck in. Their side, though, are on the back foot momentarily.

There's plenty of room behind the midfield on both sides for anyone looking to exploit it. Babel looks as if he may fancy cutting in as does Delgago for the hosts.

Liverpool enjoy a neat spell of possession. The home fans don't like it but it's an important phase for Liverpool to try to establish some authority in the game.

A good open feel to this game. Chances at both ends already and both teams looking to get forward when they can.

Voronin somehow fails to make contact on a loose ball from five yards. Any kind of touch would have beaten the keeper but Arikan is allowed to make the save.

Lovely effort from Tello almost catches Reina out. His volley took a wicked deflection off Hyypia's shin and almost looped in over the keeper. Let off for the Reds.

Shout for a penalty as Steve Finnan appears to handle in the box after a bouncing cross. I've seen those given.

Gerrard, with only one goal to his name this season, has a sighter from 25 yards but it flies well over the bar.

The crowd are bouncing, yelling, rocking, you name it, they're doing it. Great atmosphere.

Liverpool get us under way.

We're almost ready for the off. The players emerge from the tunnel and take their places in this rather peculiar stadium. I say peculiar as it is somewhat antiquated by Champions League club standards. The pitch looks decent though, and the home fans are in fine fettle.

There are just two changes from the Liverpool side which won at Everton on Saturday, with skipper Steven Gerrard back in the centre of midfield while Mohamed Sissoko and Yossi Benayoun miss out. Liverpool, with just one point from two games in the group, had Xabi Alonso back on the bench after his metatarsal injury.

Part two of our live commentary offering this week and our attention is on Liverpool's trip to Besiktas in Istanbul. The Reds desperately need a win after a draw and defeat in their opening two fixtures. Besiktas though, have yet to score in this season's campaign and are bottom of group A.

Benayoun drills into the net from seven yards but it won't count. Voronin was offside in the build-up and Besiktas survive.

A frustrating night for Liverpool. There's plenty of time to get one back but they're lacking the spark and invention at present.

Another chance for Besiktas as Liverpool get caught out at the back. They were strangely outnumbered and but for Avci straying offside, the hosts may have had another effort on goal.

It hasn't happened too often but Zan gets beyond his marker and slashes a firm shot wide from 20 yards. Another warning for Liverpool.

Delgado's night comes to an end with Higuain coming on to freshen up the Besiktas midfield.

30 minutes is a long time to hold out for but it seems as if Besiktas are happy to give it a try - it's one up front for the hosts now.

Good spell this for Liverpool now. The Reds are on top and looking to draw level. The Besiktas box falls under siege with Babel getting off a shot that Arikan gets down well to.

Benitez decides to make a change with Pennant making way for Benayoun down the right wing.

Excellent chance for Gerrard to level. Voronin cushions a header for his skipper who drills a left-foot volley inches wide. Fantastic effort.

The stats show 61%-31% possession in favour of Liverpool but they need to turn that into chances.

Panic in the Besiktas defence. Deivson plays Pennant onside and is forced into making a vital tackle to deny the winger a shot on goal from the right edge of the box.

Gerrard looks to lay in Voronin but it doesn't come off for the skipper. Voronin hasn't offered much so far and would be my first choice for a change.

The home side look even more inclined to hold back this half. They've set up very defensively and inviting Liverpool on to them.

Liverpool will be wary of that break from the hosts. They're happy to soak up the play when Liverpool have it, but a quick break may spring a surprise.

The rain is lashing down in Istanbul now and Liverpool are again forcing their passes. Carragher makes a superb last-ditch challenge on Deivson to stop the Brazilian from scoring.

Not much came from the front men in the first half. They'll have to throw caution to the wind this half to break down Besiktas back line and they'll have to go some to quell this vociforous crowd.

Bright and breezy start from the hosts. Delgado gets involved in a quick break and Carragher does well to clear the danger.

Right, Rafa's had his 15 minutes to inspire his players and the're back out for the second half. Besiktas restart the game.

One of the strangest goals you'll see means Besiktas lead Liverpool 1-0 at the break. They could have scored the first goal through Voronin but Hyypia did find the net, his own, after comical defending.

HALF-TIME: BESIKTAS 1-0 LIVERPOOL

Free-kick from Gerrard causes sine confusion in the box as the keeper comes to claim a ball that his defender Toraman heads up and over the bar. They survive though, and half-time beckons.

Besiktas counter and try to catch Liverpool sleeping. Pennant was caught on the halfway line and with four players forward, Zan should have done better with his cross. It evades everyone and Liverpool can clear.

Ealry change for the hosts as Kurtulus hobbles off with a calf strain with Avci coming on in his place.

Another poor pass, this time from Hyypia and Tello sets off on an ambitious run. Gerrard tracks back and reclaims possession for Liverpool, but more poor passing.

Besiktas look neat and tidy on the ball while Liverpool are being rushed and are sending passes all over the place. There's plenty of experience out there not to panic, but you feel it needs Gerrard to settle his side down.

Precious little invention from the Liverpool front players. Kuyt, Voronin and Babel have flattered to deceive so far, unlike their opposite numbers.

Cisse lines up a sweet left-foot volley from a corner that narrowly sails over the bar. He was unmarked from the corner and Liverpool could easily have found themselves two down.

Desperate defending from Besiktas. Players throwing the bodies at Babel's cross, then Gerrard's long-range drive. Danger cleared for the hosts.

No panic yet from Liverpool, although they might need to liven things up if they want anything from this game.

No performances of note from the men in red. The wingers are being pinned back and the central midfielders aren't being allowed much time to create.

Stunning hit from Babel cutting in from the left. On to his right foot he cracks his effort narrowly wide of Arikan's post.

Liverpool still look slightly cautious going forward. They're not throwing numbers forward like they were in the opening stages - perhaps fearful of getting caught on the break again.

Besiktas have taken some of the sting out of the game after a frantic opening 15 minutes. It's suiting them too.

I don't think the home fans have ceased their chants all match. It's a stirring effort from those in the stands and the players are responding.

Voronin has a go from a long way out. He had Finnan rushing down his right and should have fed the Irisman who doesn't look best pleased as the striker's low drive bobbles well wide.

Besiktas are retreating whenever Liverpool get on the ball. They'll have to be careful not to fall to deep and get swamped by attacks, but they look relatively comfortable thus far.

Delgado has a crack from 30 yards out, but from that range and a tight angle, he's never going to trouble Reina.

Tremendous save from Arikan as denies Gerrard who escaped his marker in the box and volleyed downwards. The keeper was alert and is having a stormer so far.

Besiktas have gone into their shell somewhat since the goal but if they can withstand a period of Liverpool pressure they'll be happy.

Benitez is fuming on the bench and no wonder. Liverpool regroup and start to move upfield and reclaim possession.

Liverpool almost hit back straight away as Riise tries a dipping half-volley from 25 yards that is well tipped over by Arikan.

Besiktas can't believe their luck as they're gifted the lead against a rattled Liverpool. The stadium erupts.

Well, well, well. The hosts are ahead after some shambolic defending from Liverpool. Carragher smacks his clearance off Finnan and the loose ball falls to Serdar Ozcan who sidefoots home via a deflection off Hyypia. Laughable!

GOAL: BESIKTAS 1-0 LIVERPOOL

Update from Stamford Bridge and it's Chelsea who have the early breakthrough thanks to Malouda. 1-0.

Wonderful effort from the crowd so far. It's been relentless chanting and they're certainly getting stuck in. Their side, though, are on the back foot momentarily.

There's plenty of room behind the midfield on both sides for anyone looking to exploit it. Babel looks as if he may fancy cutting in as does Delgago for the hosts.

Liverpool enjoy a neat spell of possession. The home fans don't like it but it's an important phase for Liverpool to try to establish some authority in the game.

A good open feel to this game. Chances at both ends already and both teams looking to get forward when they can.

Voronin somehow fails to make contact on a loose ball from five yards. Any kind of touch would have beaten the keeper but Arikan is allowed to make the save.

Lovely effort from Tello almost catches Reina out. His volley took a wicked deflection off Hyypia's shin and almost looped in over the keeper. Let off for the Reds.

Shout for a penalty as Steve Finnan appears to handle in the box after a bouncing cross. I've seen those given.

Gerrard, with only one goal to his name this season, has a sighter from 25 yards but it flies well over the bar.

The crowd are bouncing, yelling, rocking, you name it, they're doing it. Great atmosphere.

Liverpool get us under way.

We're almost ready for the off. The players emerge from the tunnel and take their places in this rather peculiar stadium. I say peculiar as it is somewhat antiquated by Champions League club standards. The pitch looks decent though, and the home fans are in fine fettle.

There are just two changes from the Liverpool side which won at Everton on Saturday, with skipper Steven Gerrard back in the centre of midfield while Mohamed Sissoko and Yossi Benayoun miss out. Liverpool, with just one point from two games in the group, had Xabi Alonso back on the bench after his metatarsal injury.

Part two of our live commentary offering this week and our attention is on Liverpool's trip to Besiktas in Istanbul. The Reds desperately need a win after a draw and defeat in their opening two fixtures. Besiktas though, have yet to score in this season's campaign and are bottom of group A.