22 February 2007, by Sean Gillen

Liverpool stun Barcelona in Nou Camp

Barcelona 1-2 Liverpool

Holders Barcelona left themselves with a tough task to qualify for the quarter finals of the Champions League after Liverpool came from behind to win at the Nou Camp.

Deco opened the scoring for Barca, but poor defending from the home side allowed Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise to secure a shock result for the Premiership side.

As expected, Liverpool arrived with the intention of frustrating Barca, and Spanish manager Rafa Benitez organised his side to stop their opponents from playing, with an emphasis on defence.

Deco hits net

The first ten minutes passed with little action, but Barca went ahead during their first real wave of pressure. Ronaldinho brilliantly flicked the ball to Gianluca Zambrotta on the left wing and the full-back’s cross was inch perfect for Deco to head his side into the lead in the 14th minute.

Barca enjoyed a good period of play following the goal as their quick, intelligent passing appeared too much for Liverpool to handle. A smart save by Reina denied Deco a second, while Saviola shot wide for Los Cules.

However, after surviving the spell of Barca pressure, Liverpool silenced the Nou Camp with an equaliser two minutes before half time. Alonso’s deep cross found the unmarked Bellamy at the back post, and Barca ‘keeper Victor Valdes’ poor attempt at a save saw him carry the ball over the line.

Benitez adds to good record

The expected onslaught from Barca after the break never really materialise. Benitez has a good record against the Catalan side from his days with Valencia, and the Liverpool boss’ tactical nous came to the fore as his side coped superbly with the European champions in the second half.

Frustrated at seeing his side fail to threaten a winner, Barca manager Frank Rijkaard made two attacking substitutions, introducing Andres Iniesta and Ludovic Giuly for Thiago Motta and Xavi as the Dutchman looked for a crucial second goal.

Liverpool exploited Barca’s defensive vulnerabilities on the counter attack, and turned the tie on its head with a second goal on the break after 74 minutes. A quick counter resulted in Valdes denying Kuyt, but the rebound fell to Bellamy, who squared for Riise to fire in from inside the area.

Deco hit the post with what appeared to be an intended cross from a free-kick, but Liverpool held out for a sensational result and Barca have it all to do to turn the tie around at Anfield in two weeks time.

Barcelona:
Valdes, Belletti, Marquez, Puyol, Zambrotta, Xavi (Giuly 65), Motta (Iniesta 54), Deco, Messi, Saviola (Gudjohnsen 82), Ronaldinho
Liverpool:
Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Riise, Finnan, Sissoko (Zenden 84), Alonso, Gerrard, Bellamy (Pennant 80),Kuyt (Crouch 90)

Goals:
[1-0] Deco, 14
[1-1] Bellamy, 43
[1-2] Riise, 74