The Story So Far... (Part 2)

The Champions League, not been graced by a Liverpool team since the 2009/10 season where we were knocked out of the group stage by Lyon and Fiorentina. Now with the fans excitement of playing in the games more prestigious competition again, Liverpool fans were given the joy of being drawn in group B which is occupied by current holders Real Madrid (who have never managed to beat a Liverpool side), Swiss side FC Basel who most likely gave Liverpool fans something to laugh about when they done the double on Chelsea in this competiton last season and new comers Ludogorets Razgrad, a team I certainly never heard of prior to the draw. What an excellent group, a chance of champions knock out stage qualification with the glamour of playing Real Madrid it seemed like a dream group for Liverpool it arguably still is in my opinion; but the opening games haven't been too convincing.

Game 1: Liverpool Vs Ludogorets Razgard (2-1)

This seemed like the perfect games to kick off our first Champions League game in 5 years to all Liverpool fans, starting at Anfield against what are obviously but respectfully the weakest side in the group. However they didn't play like the weakest side and probably had one of the games of their lives against the reds. It took an adventurous run from loanee right-back Javier Manquillo chasing a lost ball to unexpectedly cause debut goalkeeper  Milan Borjan to miscontol the ball and then bring down the full-back to earn Liverpool a late penalty. You would think something like this against a side like Ludogorets would just result in a consolation goal, however it saved the reds from opening day embarrassment due to Dani Aballo rounding Mignolet out of position (not for the first time) cancelling out Mario Balotelli's first goal for the club. Overall a night of drama and a good watch for a neutral fan but something that Liverpool fans will not be wanting to see again in the return fixture.

Game 2: FC Basel Vs Liverpool (1-0)

Paulo Sousa said that FC Basel "could create a story which will be remembered in the future" and do that he did as the extended his hoodoo over English clubs at St. Jakob Park. Once again, why is it always set pieces? And why after the money being spent on Dejan Lovren, Javier Manquillo and Alberto Moreno does the defense look more fragile than last season! It was such a poor goal to concede but you can see it coming, being a Liverpool fan entails of digging your head in your hands and waiting for the celebrations of the opposition fans when we concede a set-piece of any kind. The ball comes in Martin Skrtel being his same oblivious self cares more than pushing a Basel player out of the way rather than heading the ball, resulting in the ball bouncing off Lovren's back causing Mignolet to palm the ball into the path of Streller who has a tap in. Streller. He has got to be one of the most slow and just poor strikers I have ever seen in my life, a combination of Andy Carroll and Robbie Keane who are without a doubt the most expensive flops in the striker position we have ever seen in a Liverpool shirt. Like that we find ourselves in a position to fight and bring ourselves back into the game which we can't do of course, ever since the Chelsea game teams have knew how to defend against us and if Rodgers doesn't think of something innovative soon it is looking like Europa League will be the goal come January.