Liverpool eliminated from 2009 Champions League

Despite a 1-0 win over Debrecen, Liverpool has no chance to advance from the group stages of the 2009 Champions League as they will finish 3rd in Group E.  A 4th minute goal from David Ngog was all Liverpool would be able to get against Hungarian champions Debrecen who put forth a valiant effort in front of their home fans.  With the Lyon loss to Fiorentina, Liverpool will be forced to the Europa League rather than playing in the Champions League knockout rounds.

It is the first time in the last six seasons that Liverpool will not advance from group play and with their poor form in the English Premier League Liverpool may not qualify for the Champions League at all next year.  Not qualifying would cost the club an estimated $20 million in revenues.

Elsewhere in Champions League play, Arsenal secured their place in the final 16 as they dispatched Standard Liege 2-0 in England.  Samir Nasri and Denilson scored first half goals for Arsenal.   Barcelona put on a classy display as they ran Inter Milan off the field in Spain winning 2-0 in a match that was not even that close.  Inter only mustered one shot on goal all night and that didn't come until the 87th minute of play.

Rangers are out of the competition after falling at home to Stuttgart.  Surprising Unirea Urziceni from Romania kept their chances alive as they defeated Sevilla 1-0.   Sevilla are assured a spot in the knockout rounds while Unirea Urziceni will face Stuttgart in their final group match needing only a draw to advance.