Great Start

13 Sep, 2005 Real Betis 1-2 Liverpool - CL Matchday 1

uefa.com - A blistering start by Liverpool FC ensured they took all three points from their opening UEFA Champions League Group G game away to Real Betis Balompié, goals inside the first quarter-hour from Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Luis García earning the holders a 2-1 win.

Don't have too much time to review this match. All I want to say is...Rafa is really a wise manager, and good summer signs of Reina, Sissoko, and Zenden. The surprising starting 11 did surprise Real Betis I guess, but actually the second half was horrible. (Hyypia...should move faster!!) Anyway, a great start in the group stage. By the way, Chelsea 1-0 won over Anderlecht. Well, I say they're really good at 1-0 win, don't they..

Benitez said: "I felt we needed fresh legs for a very difficult match. Some people were tired, including Steven, and we needed to rest players for this match. We must use all our squad to compete in top competitions."

Gerrard said: "We've got a big squad of fantastic players and I think you'll see the manager use them throughout the season."