Champions League - Liverpool suffers while Real rallies
Published 10/25/2007 11:17:38 AM by staff from espn
Robinho went from villain to hero to earn Real Madrid a thrilling 4-2 victory over 10-man Olympiacos in their Champions League clash at the Bernabeu. The Brazilian was omitted from Real's squad last weekend after reporting back late from international duty but was his side's second-half inspiration on his return to the side. With Real losing 2-1 to an Olympiacos side who had lost defender Vassilis Torosidis to a red card after just 12 minutes, Robinho took charge to score twice as well winning his side a penalty. Ruud van Nistelrooy missed that spot-kick when the score was at 2-2, but Robinho saved his blushes to put Real ahead soon after. Robinho then set up substitute Javier Balboa following a breakaway in the final minute to complete a stunning Real victory. The win gave Real a three-point lead over the Greeks at the top of Group C.
Besiktas produced their greatest European victory to leave Liverpool bottom of Group A. Liverpool were behind early on to a Serdar Ozkan effort which deflected in off central defender Sami Hyypia. And from then on the Anfield men toiled and laboured in an increasingly desperate attempt to avoid a humiliating defeat.
Werder Bremen beat Lazio 2-1 in the other match for their first victory in the competition. Boubacar Sanogo and Hugo Almeida scored their goals at the Weser Stadion.
Holders AC Milan moved to the top of Group D with a 4-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in Group D. Putting their early season troubles to one side, the Rossoneri hit form with two headers from Alberto Gilardino and a pair of second-half strikes from Clarence Seedorf.
Cristiano Lucarelli netted a consolation for the Ukrainians, who remain level with Milan on six points, three ahead of Benfica and Celtic. Liverpool's rivals Marseille put themselves within touching distance of a place in the knockout stages after an unlikely 1-1 draw at home to Porto.
The Portuguese dominated the clash and twice hit the woodwork before Mamadou Niang met Djibril Cisse's 69th-minute cross to give Marseille an undeserved lead. Porto responded to claim the point they were entitled to when Lucho Gonzalez scored a penalty 13 minutes from time.
Rosenborg moved to second in Group B behind Chelsea with a 2-0 home win over Valencia. Second-half goals from Yssouf Kone and Vidar Riseth secured a first victory of the campaign for the Norwegians.
|