FCSB against Liverpool

Stancu leads a Steaua counter attack, Nicolita does well to manufacture some room, but his right-wing cross is pumped away.

He looks for Kyrgiakos, whose header goes back out towards Pacheco. But he's in an offside position.

Pacheco to take it.

Ngog challenges and wins a corner for his efforts.

Liveprool throw-in deep in Steaua territory.

Tanase strikes an optimistic effort from distance, but it was never going to bother Reina.

Long diagonal ball aimed towards Janos Szekely but he's not quite got the pace to keep it in play.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com//design05/images/2010/1202/elderbomfimcelebvlfc20101202_275x155.jpg "><br>Elder Bomfim's header brought Steaua level

Missed a shot a few minutes ago by Stancu, whose shot dipped just over Reina, with the Liverpool goalkeeper scrambling.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15">Bonfim finds himself carded for a trip on Eccleston.

Surdu was Steaua's most effective player in the first half but everything has gone through Nicolita in the second half.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Szekely on for Surdu

A delightful attempt by Latovlevici to try one of those one-foot-behind-the-other crosses. Unfortunately it went to a Liverpool shirt so it didn't look too great.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Eccleston on for Jovanovic.

Bonfim opens up some space on the right wing but Kyrgiakos heads is cross clear.

Kelly with a risky looking backpass but Kyrgiakos manages to hoof it to safety.

Cole did not look amused by that substiution. But he has been pretty awful in this game!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ngog on for Joe Cole.

David Ngog warming up for Liverpool.

Nicolita chips the ball past Aurelio and crosses in but Reina is alert at the near post.

The pace has slowed right down in the last couple of minutes, both sides will surely be happy with a draw?

Tanase whips a cross into the danger zone, but Reina makkes no mistake this time and hugs the ball close to his chest.

Utrecht and Napoli are locked at 3-3 in the Netherlands.

Reina was left scrambling across his goal by Nicolito's long-range effort but the shot creeps wide.

Great incisive ball by Shelvey to Pacheco, but the Spaniard's subsequent pass to Jovanovic is misunderstood.

Babel dragging Liverpool forward, as the Reds look to build some attacking momentum.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/jov_AP275.jpg"><br>Milan Jovanovic celebrates his headed opener

Aurelio's delivery was met by the Greek centre-back, but his effort crashed against the bar and went over.

Kyrgiakos heads against the bar!

You have to feel Steaua would be happy with a draw, but Liverpool have a corner now as they look to restore their lead.

The atmosphere is buzzing in Romania and it sounds pretty intense out there.

Aurelio's delivery met by Jovanovic but he can't directit goalwards.

Liverpool starting to step it up a bit now, Jovanovic advances down the left and it's a corner for the Reds.

Whipped in but headed clear by Steaua.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Nicolita booked and Liverpool have a free-kick.

It's no more than Steaua deserve really.

<b>Steaua Bucharest 1-1 Liverpool.</b>Angelove's cross was met by Bonfim's header and Reina let the ball slip through his legs when he looked to have it in his hands. Absolute howler!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Bonfim scores after a horrible Reina error.

Cole brought down and Liverpool have a free-kick in midfield.

Kyrgiakos does well to shepherd the corner away.

Angelov feeds in Nicolita and his cross is tipped onto the bar and out for a corner by Reina.

Liverpool struggling to keep any sort of possession at the moment, though as I write this they have strung a good ten passes together.

Steaua still pressing and Nicolita looks to play in Stancu but the touch is just a little heavy.

Geraldo's handball gives Liverpool a free-kick but Pacheco's delivery is hammered clear.

Steaua have continued to look the more dangerous of the two sides in this second period.

Angleov looks to slice Liverpool open but the Reds hold firm.

Wilson penalised for the challenge on Stancu and Steaua have a free-kick about 35 yards out.

Free header from Geraldo is held well by Reina. It was really poor marking for the corner.

Kelly tackles Tanase as the Steaua winger looked to have got ahead of him. Corner for the Romanians.

Lovely little ball over the top towards Pacheco but it's just a yard too far for him to get in.

Angelov slices a shot that ends up going out for a throw in.

Reina punches it clear.

Penetrating early run by Nicolito and Steaua have a free-kick after Shelvey brings him down on the right wing.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Angelov on for Bicfalvi

And we're off for the second half...

<b>Half-time: Steaua Bucharest 0-1 Liverpool.</b> Jovanovic's goal is the difference between the two sides but it's Steaua who have looked generally the better outfit. They are causing trouble to Aurelio and Kelly down the wings but the quality of crossing needs to drastically improve if they are to snatch an equaliser. Join us for the second-half in 15 minutes.

Half-time whistle goes...

Tanase looks for the foul after going over Shelvey but no free-kick awarded.

Shelvey and Pacheco with a good exchange but here come Steaua again, winning a corner.

Two added minutes to play.

Finally a good ball from Nicolita from the right wing, the ball breaks to Stancu but he lashes at it with a lack of finesse and it heads wide of Reina's goal. It was a mistake from Kyrgiakos that let him in.

But nothing comes of it and Steaua are free to continue their excellent possession football.

Liverpool throw in down the right after the flett-footed Babel bounds forward.

Bicfalvi strikes one from 25 yards pout but Reina looks untroubled despite it being a half-decent strike.

And another cross cleared away with ease by Liverpool.

Another corner for Steaua after Bonfim chases down Jovanovic.

That's right, another poor ball! Come on Steaua, some crossing training definitely required!

Tanase down the left and I'll give you all one guess what happens when he swings his boot to cross...

And another unthreatening delivery!

Another Steaua corner now.

It's all Steaua at the moment i must say. They are having a lot of joy finding space down the wings, but are struggling to make the final ball count.

Aurelio looks long to Babel, who rises highest to flick the ball on, but there are no other Liverpool players in sight.

Captain for the day Pepe Reina is out like a shot to collect the ball, with Nicolita bearing down on him. Solid piece of goalkeeping from the Spain custodian.

Steaua with another chance from a corner, but the delivery is overhit once more and Reina did not seem troubled.

Utrecht are winning 2-0 against Napoli courtesy of two goals from Van Wolfswinkel. Great name!

The ball comes out to Shelvey following Tatarusanu's punch, but the 18-year-old strikes it wide from about 25 yards.

Reina collects and it goes straight down the other end, where Liverpool now have a corner.

Surdu helps the ball onto Tanase, but a good challenge from kelly forces a corner.

Latovlevici attemoting to open up the Liverpool defence but his pass towards Stancu is intercepted by Wilson.

Fearless run down the right wing by Ricardo but Jovanovic tracks back well to halt his progress.

Bonfim finds some space down the right and his cross appeared to hit Aurelio's arm. But again the referee is not interested whatsoever.

Jovanovic draws a free-kick, he is certainly a man with a point to prove having been overlooked by Hodgson in recent weeks.

I'm not going to lie folks, it hasn't been great so far. Very scrappy at times.

Terrible piece of control by Cole leading up to that chance - Babel accelerated down the left and released Cole through the middle with an incisive pass. But the England midfielder took a heavy touch that allowed Steaua's defenders to regroup, before passing it on to Jovanovic and then Pacheco, before the Spaniard dragged his shot wide.

Pacheco fires wide for Liverpool.

Another chance for Latovlevici to cross and this time it's at least kept in play but too long. Reina struggled to get to the ball under pressure from Stancu but calm is soon restored.

Latovlevici gets into a good position down the left but his cross sails over.

<a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=848077&sec=uefaeuropaleague&cc=5739" target="_blank">For all the latest from the other Europa League games, join Tom McGowan for live updates and chat. </a>

Babel goes down inside the area after showing off some quick feet, but the ref shakes his head.

<i>Stats: That was Jovanovic's second goal in this stadium - he also scored for Standard Liege here. </i>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Surdu booked for a foul on Shelvey.

<b>Steaua Bucharest 1-0 Liverpool.</b> A great bit of work from Babel down the right, he cut inside onto his left and floated it in to Jovanovic, who directed a perfectly-placed header into the left-hand corner. Excellent finish.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Jovanovic gives Liverpool the lead.

A let off for Liverpool there.

It finds its way through to Surdu who crossses in for Bicfalvi. It was a free header but he has directed it over Reina's crossbar.

Nicolita takes it and his ball in is a dangerous one.

Bicfalvi's shot from distance is deflected over.

Another good piece of interplay by Steaua, down the right this time, but the cross is headed clear by Kyrgiakos.

<i>Stats: Bogdan Stancu is Steaua's top scorer in the competition this season with two goals.</i>

Reina seems to be having some problems with a laser pen coming from the crowd. He's definitely not beaming about it.

Cole flings himself to the ground but the referee shakes his head in the centre circle.

Surdu's on the ground and he looks in some discomfort after clashing with Kyrgiakos. It just looks like he twisted his knee but he is back up now.

Joe Cole and Pahceco combine but Shelvey gives the ball away and Steaua come away with the ball through Tanase.

Some good possession football from Liverpool as they look to try and get a foothold in the game.

Surdu with some tricky footwork and he has looked like Steaua's most dangerous player so far.

Banel Nicolita looks to break away from the Liverpool backline but the lofted through-ball is a little too hard.

Aurelio dances down the left and looks to try something resembling a stepover but the move soon breaks down.

Steaua looking good in the early stages, that defeat against Liverpool aside - they've drawn two and won one of their other three games. The Romanians certainly won't be any pushovers.

Romeo Surdu tries to engineer and opening but a heavy touch lets him down after some good movement.

Good early cross and Steaua have a corner.

That's Liverpool the club, not the likes of Jonjo Shelvey and Martin Kelly!

Steaua keeping possession early on, trying to build up some confidence against these giants of European football.

And we're off...

There are three teenagers in the Liverpool line-up, as Roy Hodgson's side look to repeat their 4-1 victory at Anfield. David Ngog scored twice that night, what a rareity!

But a win today would take Liverpool through to the last 32 of the Europa League, they are currently top of the group on eight points, with Steaua Bucharest and Napoli behind them on five and three points respectively.

It's a rather makeshift looking side for the Reds, who lost their sixth league game of the season against Spurs on Sunday.

<b>Liverpool:</B> Reina, Kelly, Kyrgiakos, Wilson, Aurelio, Poulsen, Pacheco, Shelvey, Jovanovic, Cole, Babel. <p>Subs: Jones, Lucas, Ngog, Skrtel, Flanagan, Eccleston, Robinson.

<b>Steaua Bucharest:</b> Tatarusanu, Eder, Geraldo, Gardos, Latovlevici, Gomes, Bicfalvi, Nicolita, Surdu, Tanase, Stancu.<p> Subs: Lungu, Emeghara, Abrudan, Szekely, Martinovic, Angelov, Matei.

We're just over ten minutes away from kick-off and the teams are in. As has been his approach in most games so far, Hodgson had decided to give some of his fringe players a chance. Here are the line-ups:

Hello all and welcome to live text commentary of Liverpool's visit to Romania to face Steaua Bucharest in the Europa League.

Bonfim opens up some space on the right wing but Kyrgiakos heads is cross clear.

Kelly with a risky looking backpass but Kyrgiakos manages to hoof it to safety.

Cole did not look amused by that substiution. But he has been pretty awful in this game!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Ngog on for Joe Cole.

David Ngog warming up for Liverpool.

Nicolita chips the ball past Aurelio and crosses in but Reina is alert at the near post.

The pace has slowed right down in the last couple of minutes, both sides will surely be happy with a draw?

Tanase whips a cross into the danger zone, but Reina makkes no mistake this time and hugs the ball close to his chest.

Utrecht and Napoli are locked at 3-3 in the Netherlands.

Reina was left scrambling across his goal by Nicolito's long-range effort but the shot creeps wide.

Great incisive ball by Shelvey to Pacheco, but the Spaniard's subsequent pass to Jovanovic is misunderstood.

Babel dragging Liverpool forward, as the Reds look to build some attacking momentum.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/jov_AP275.jpg"><br>Milan Jovanovic celebrates his headed opener

Aurelio's delivery was met by the Greek centre-back, but his effort crashed against the bar and went over.

Kyrgiakos heads against the bar!

You have to feel Steaua would be happy with a draw, but Liverpool have a corner now as they look to restore their lead.

The atmosphere is buzzing in Romania and it sounds pretty intense out there.

Aurelio's delivery met by Jovanovic but he can't directit goalwards.

Liverpool starting to step it up a bit now, Jovanovic advances down the left and it's a corner for the Reds.

Whipped in but headed clear by Steaua.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Nicolita booked and Liverpool have a free-kick.

It's no more than Steaua deserve really.

<b>Steaua Bucharest 1-1 Liverpool.</b>Angelove's cross was met by Bonfim's header and Reina let the ball slip through his legs when he looked to have it in his hands. Absolute howler!

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Bonfim scores after a horrible Reina error.

Cole brought down and Liverpool have a free-kick in midfield.

Kyrgiakos does well to shepherd the corner away.

Angelov feeds in Nicolita and his cross is tipped onto the bar and out for a corner by Reina.

Liverpool struggling to keep any sort of possession at the moment, though as I write this they have strung a good ten passes together.

Steaua still pressing and Nicolita looks to play in Stancu but the touch is just a little heavy.

Geraldo's handball gives Liverpool a free-kick but Pacheco's delivery is hammered clear.

Steaua have continued to look the more dangerous of the two sides in this second period.

Angleov looks to slice Liverpool open but the Reds hold firm.

Wilson penalised for the challenge on Stancu and Steaua have a free-kick about 35 yards out.

Free header from Geraldo is held well by Reina. It was really poor marking for the corner.

Kelly tackles Tanase as the Steaua winger looked to have got ahead of him. Corner for the Romanians.

Lovely little ball over the top towards Pacheco but it's just a yard too far for him to get in.

Angelov slices a shot that ends up going out for a throw in.

Reina punches it clear.

Penetrating early run by Nicolito and Steaua have a free-kick after Shelvey brings him down on the right wing.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Angelov on for Bicfalvi

And we're off for the second half...

<b>Half-time: Steaua Bucharest 0-1 Liverpool.</b> Jovanovic's goal is the difference between the two sides but it's Steaua who have looked generally the better outfit. They are causing trouble to Aurelio and Kelly down the wings but the quality of crossing needs to drastically improve if they are to snatch an equaliser. Join us for the second-half in 15 minutes.

Half-time whistle goes...

Tanase looks for the foul after going over Shelvey but no free-kick awarded.

Shelvey and Pacheco with a good exchange but here come Steaua again, winning a corner.

Two added minutes to play.

Finally a good ball from Nicolita from the right wing, the ball breaks to Stancu but he lashes at it with a lack of finesse and it heads wide of Reina's goal. It was a mistake from Kyrgiakos that let him in.

But nothing comes of it and Steaua are free to continue their excellent possession football.

Liverpool throw in down the right after the flett-footed Babel bounds forward.

Bicfalvi strikes one from 25 yards pout but Reina looks untroubled despite it being a half-decent strike.

And another cross cleared away with ease by Liverpool.

Another corner for Steaua after Bonfim chases down Jovanovic.

That's right, another poor ball! Come on Steaua, some crossing training definitely required!

Tanase down the left and I'll give you all one guess what happens when he swings his boot to cross...

And another unthreatening delivery!

Another Steaua corner now.

It's all Steaua at the moment i must say. They are having a lot of joy finding space down the wings, but are struggling to make the final ball count.

Aurelio looks long to Babel, who rises highest to flick the ball on, but there are no other Liverpool players in sight.

Captain for the day Pepe Reina is out like a shot to collect the ball, with Nicolita bearing down on him. Solid piece of goalkeeping from the Spain custodian.

Steaua with another chance from a corner, but the delivery is overhit once more and Reina did not seem troubled.

Utrecht are winning 2-0 against Napoli courtesy of two goals from Van Wolfswinkel. Great name!

The ball comes out to Shelvey following Tatarusanu's punch, but the 18-year-old strikes it wide from about 25 yards.

Reina collects and it goes straight down the other end, where Liverpool now have a corner.

Surdu helps the ball onto Tanase, but a good challenge from kelly forces a corner.

Latovlevici attemoting to open up the Liverpool defence but his pass towards Stancu is intercepted by Wilson.

Fearless run down the right wing by Ricardo but Jovanovic tracks back well to halt his progress.

Bonfim finds some space down the right and his cross appeared to hit Aurelio's arm. But again the referee is not interested whatsoever.

Jovanovic draws a free-kick, he is certainly a man with a point to prove having been overlooked by Hodgson in recent weeks.

I'm not going to lie folks, it hasn't been great so far. Very scrappy at times.

Terrible piece of control by Cole leading up to that chance - Babel accelerated down the left and released Cole through the middle with an incisive pass. But the England midfielder took a heavy touch that allowed Steaua's defenders to regroup, before passing it on to Jovanovic and then Pacheco, before the Spaniard dragged his shot wide.

Pacheco fires wide for Liverpool.

Another chance for Latovlevici to cross and this time it's at least kept in play but too long. Reina struggled to get to the ball under pressure from Stancu but calm is soon restored.

Latovlevici gets into a good position down the left but his cross sails over.

<a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=848077&sec=uefaeuropaleague&cc=5739" target="_blank">For all the latest from the other Europa League games, join Tom McGowan for live updates and chat. </a>

Babel goes down inside the area after showing off some quick feet, but the ref shakes his head.

<i>Stats: That was Jovanovic's second goal in this stadium - he also scored for Standard Liege here. </i>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Surdu booked for a foul on Shelvey.

<b>Steaua Bucharest 1-0 Liverpool.</b> A great bit of work from Babel down the right, he cut inside onto his left and floated it in to Jovanovic, who directed a perfectly-placed header into the left-hand corner. Excellent finish.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Jovanovic gives Liverpool the lead.

A let off for Liverpool there.

It finds its way through to Surdu who crossses in for Bicfalvi. It was a free header but he has directed it over Reina's crossbar.

Nicolita takes it and his ball in is a dangerous one.

Bicfalvi's shot from distance is deflected over.

Another good piece of interplay by Steaua, down the right this time, but the cross is headed clear by Kyrgiakos.

<i>Stats: Bogdan Stancu is Steaua's top scorer in the competition this season with two goals.</i>

Reina seems to be having some problems with a laser pen coming from the crowd. He's definitely not beaming about it.

Cole flings himself to the ground but the referee shakes his head in the centre circle.

Surdu's on the ground and he looks in some discomfort after clashing with Kyrgiakos. It just looks like he twisted his knee but he is back up now.

Joe Cole and Pahceco combine but Shelvey gives the ball away and Steaua come away with the ball through Tanase.

Some good possession football from Liverpool as they look to try and get a foothold in the game.

Surdu with some tricky footwork and he has looked like Steaua's most dangerous player so far.

Banel Nicolita looks to break away from the Liverpool backline but the lofted through-ball is a little too hard.

Aurelio dances down the left and looks to try something resembling a stepover but the move soon breaks down.

Steaua looking good in the early stages, that defeat against Liverpool aside - they've drawn two and won one of their other three games. The Romanians certainly won't be any pushovers.

Romeo Surdu tries to engineer and opening but a heavy touch lets him down after some good movement.

Good early cross and Steaua have a corner.

That's Liverpool the club, not the likes of Jonjo Shelvey and Martin Kelly!

Steaua keeping possession early on, trying to build up some confidence against these giants of European football.

And we're off...

There are three teenagers in the Liverpool line-up, as Roy Hodgson's side look to repeat their 4-1 victory at Anfield. David Ngog scored twice that night, what a rareity!

But a win today would take Liverpool through to the last 32 of the Europa League, they are currently top of the group on eight points, with Steaua Bucharest and Napoli behind them on five and three points respectively.

It's a rather makeshift looking side for the Reds, who lost their sixth league game of the season against Spurs on Sunday.

<b>Liverpool:</B> Reina, Kelly, Kyrgiakos, Wilson, Aurelio, Poulsen, Pacheco, Shelvey, Jovanovic, Cole, Babel. <p>Subs: Jones, Lucas, Ngog, Skrtel, Flanagan, Eccleston, Robinson.

<b>Steaua Bucharest:</b> Tatarusanu, Eder, Geraldo, Gardos, Latovlevici, Gomes, Bicfalvi, Nicolita, Surdu, Tanase, Stancu.<p> Subs: Lungu, Emeghara, Abrudan, Szekely, Martinovic, Angelov, Matei.

We're just over ten minutes away from kick-off and the teams are in. As has been his approach in most games so far, Hodgson had decided to give some of his fringe players a chance. Here are the line-ups:

Hello all and welcome to live text commentary of Liverpool's visit to Romania to face Steaua Bucharest in the Europa League.