Match Report: Liverpool 0 - 0 Braga

Liverpool exited the Europa League with a whimper after a goalless draw at home to Braga, dealing a blow to their hopes of returning to the competition next season.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg of their last-16 tie, even a first start for record signing Andy Carroll could not turn things around as the visitors employed every trick in the book to hang on to their advantage.

The Reds have not failed to qualify for Europe since 1999 but having lost the chance of entering as defending Europa League champions, they must now look to their domestic form.

However, they trail fifth-placed Tottenham by six points and have played one match more, and it will take an impressive run of results for them to reel in the Londoners.

With Liverpool low on creativity and even shorter on chances, the watching Reds owner John Henry, who sanctioned the £35million January purchase of Carroll, must have left wondering just how much it costs to buy a goal at this level.

The 22-year-old striker had his moments but very few were in areas in which he could utilise his talent.

Liverpool's defence looked for him at every available opportunity - although sometimes he was not necessarily the best option - and his aerial prowess was soon in evidence.

An early flick-on put Joe Cole through on the left of the area and his shot was parried by Artur back into the path of the former Newcastle striker but his shot was deflected behind.

Carroll headed behind Raul Meireles' corner and it was only set-pieces which really presented him with anything approaching a chance.

Too often the England international was asked to win long diagonal balls 30 yards out with his back to goal.

Liverpool's supposed wide players - in truth the Reds have lacked genuine width for a long time - Cole and Maxi Rodriguez never got themselves into what could be described as threatening positions in which to deliver crosses for Carroll to attack.

The big front man soon discovered everything would not go his way, though, as he was penalized when Paulo Cesar pushed him into Miguel Garcia at another Meireles corner.

Danny Wilson's unfamiliarity at left-back was often exploited by Alan, the goalscorer in Portugal last week, but aside from Rodrigo Lima's drilled 35-yard shot straight at Jose Reina, making his 300th appearance, they were content to soak up the pressure.

However, the methods the Portuguese side used to frustrate their opponents, rolling around on the floor to waste time, required a firm hand and Italian referee Gianluca Rocchi was found desperately wanting as he allowed the game to get away from him before half-time.

Rocchi had no option but to get his cards out soon after the interval when Carroll, frustrated by Paulao's attempts to shepherd the ball out of play, swung a wild tackle at the defender and both players were booked.

Liverpool's first chance of the second half fell to Meireles when Dirk Kuyt crossed to the penalty spot but the Portugal international looped his header well over.

Tension was beginning to grow inside Anfield and the impact of Carroll, watched by England manager Fabio Capello who had arrived from watching Manchester City exit the competition earlier in the evening, was starting to wane.

As the match entered its last quarter Glen Johnson finally put in a dangerous cross but Meireles was just short of reaching it.

One late Carroll header appeared destined to find the net from a Meireles corner only for Kuyt to get in the way in the six-yard area.

That just about summed up his - and Liverpool's - night as they went out of the competition despite not losing a home match in Europe all season.

Braga Embarrassment Shows John W Henry It Will Take More Than Andy Carroll To Turn His Club Around

Liverpool owner John W Henry came to Anfield on Thursday expecting to witness a magical European night spearheaded by the man he spent £35 million to sign in January.

Instead, he saw Liverpool eliminated from the Europa League at the last 16 stage by Braga after producing a listless performance that once again raises questions about the quality of the squad.

The likelihood is that we are unlikely to see Liverpool in Europe again any time soon, with qualification for the Europa League a tough task that will probably require finishing fifth in the league by catching Tottenham, who sit six points ahead of Kenny Dalglish's side with a game in hand.

At the start of the season, many Reds fans were ready to write the season off and concentrate on ridding the club of its American owners.

With the ownership issue finally resolved, attention turned to events on the pitch. A topsy-turvy few months saw the Reds turn from a relegation-threatened bunch of no-hopers under Roy Hodgson to European contenders under Kenny Daglish.

But in between some encouraging displays, the weaknesses in the Scot's squad have been regularly exposed – and on Thursday night Henry was given a first-hand demonstration.

The painful reality for the Liverpool owner is that this squad needs major investment in three or four players of the quality of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll, who cost a combined fee of £57.8m in the January transfer window.

Carroll made his first start for the club here after returning from a thigh problem – and in the early stages his strength, power and aerial threat caused Liverpool's Portuguese opponents some serious problems.

But while the qualities he will offer the squad were clear, the 22-year-old grew ever more frustrated as Liverpool failed to work out how to get the best from him, prompting the Geordie to eventually kick a Braga defender four feet into the air.

The Reds increasingly turned to long, aimless punts towards the big Geordie rather than produce the sleek passing football that brought a memorable victory over Manchester United in their last league outing at Anfield.

What Carroll desperately needed was some width, some quality delivery into the box from out wide, but the Reds lacked any penetration, with Joe Cole once again virtually anonymous after a bright first 10 minutes.

“Andy Carroll stayed on longer than we hoped he would have to,” reflected Dalglish on his striker's performance. “Necessity meant he stayed on the pitch because we needed the goal.

“He's got tremendous assets he can offer and we have assets that he can learn from as well.

“We're not at all disappointed with his performance, he was unlucky not to score. I think he can be very pleased with how he played.”

The reality is that Liverpool never showed any signs that they were capable of winning the Europa League this season.

And unless Manchester City win the FA Cup and finish fifth, Liverpool have only a slim chance of having another crack next season.

A lack of European football will not only dent the coffers, but it will make it harder to attract the vibrant young players the club so badly need to win games like this.

Braga came into the game with a 1-0 lead from the first leg and were quite happy to park the bus and ask Liverpool to break them down.

The home side started well, with Cole hitting a snapshot on target and Carroll heading just wide, but the last 75 minutes of the game was painful viewing for the Kop as they watched a group of players completely shorn of ideas.

The final whistle was greeted by little more than a shrug of the shoulders by most at Anfield, who had waited for a late rally that never came, who understood that the team was way below par in both games against a side that only occupy a mid-table position in Portugal.

It was fitting that Liverpool's Europa League campaign should end with their fifth goalless draw in the competition. It was equally appropriate that Henry was there to see that his work is far from done, that splashing £35m on one player will not restore former glories.

Henry will just be wondering how much it might cost him.

Kenny Dalglish Admits To Uphill Battle For European Football

Kenny Dalglish admits Liverpool have to overcome an uphill battle if they are to compete in Europe next season.

The Reds were recently knocked out of the Europa League by Braga, who beat the Merseyside outfit 1-0 in their own backyard before carving out a goalless draw at Anfield in the return leg.

Considering the FA Cup draw, Dalglish's charges now have to finish fifth in the Premier League to avoid missing out on a continental competition for the first time in over a decade.

"I don't know if it will be a help not being in the Europa League," said Dalglish.

"It [the Europa League] was an option for us to get back into Europe next year if we'd won it.

"But we know that in every league game we will have to try to get as much as we possibly can.

"We were going to do that any way, so I don't know if it will be a blessing or not.

"You only get in Europe if you win games. If you win enough games and get enough points we will get in Europe."

Andy Carroll, who was making his first start for the Merseysiders, came closest to levelling the aggregate. But the ball did not end up in the back of the net, and the Reds eventually bowed out of the tournament.

"He was a wee bit unfortunate not to score a goal," said Dalglish. "[But] considering it's his first start he can be pleased how he played."

Pepe Reina: Liverpool Can Still Finish Fifth In The Premier League

Pepe Reina believes Liverpool can still finish fifth in the Premier League and achieve European football.

Liverpool bowed out of the Europa League after losing 1-0 on aggregate to Portuguese Braga on Thursday evening, and now have to finish fifth in the league if they are to compete in a continental competition next season.

It would appear to be a difficult task with nine games to go, as current fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur are six points ahead with a game in hand over Kenny Dalglish's side.

"We have to keep going and of course fifth place is still achievable," Reina said, according to the Liverpool Echo.

"We have got nine games to play and a lot of points to play for.

"Tottenham are still involved in the Champions League and they have some tough games.

"Everyone knows it’s going to be difficult but hopefully we will win enough games to get fifth.

"It’s always important for this club to be involved in European competition.

"And you can’t say we are not going to play in Europe next year because fifth place is still available."

Zenit St. Petersburg Eye Possible Alberto Aquilani Deal

Liverpool should have little problem shipping Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani out in the summer if they decide there is no place for the 26-year-old at Anfield, and the player could yet end up reuniting with a former coach.

Currently on loan at Juventus, Aquilani’s agreed asking price of €16.5M is proving too rich for the Serie A side to stomach, and alternatives are being considered. The Old Lady hope Liverpool could yet lower their demands however, and Aquilani himself is keen to remain in Turin.

The former Roma man though is already attracting attention from other clubs, with AC Milan linked just days ago and now Russian giants Zenit St. Petersburg believed to have sounded Liverpool out about the midfielder.

Current Zenit coach Luciano Spalletti knows Aquilani well, having worked with the player when he was Roma coach from 2005 until 2009. The 52-year-old is thought to believe he can tempt his countryman to Russia, a move which would represent a real coup for the current Russian Premier League champions.

Backed by Gazprom, Zenit would have little difficulty in paying the amount Liverpool requires. The only question mark hangs over whether Aquilani himself would head to Russia.

Kadlec - Reds Link Super

Michal Kadlec says he will wait until the summer before deciding his future after admitting it is 'super' to have been linked with Liverpool.

The Bayer Leverkusen left-back is rumoured to be a transfer target for Liverpool, who are short on options in the position.

Kadlec has a further two years to run on his contract with Leverkusen and is not currently thinking about an extension.

Liverpool are understood to have watched Kadlec earlier in the season and the Czech Republic international is happy to be on the Premier League giants' radar.

"There is a lot of speculation - we will see in the summer what happens," Kadlec told Sky Sports News Radio.

"It is super for me - when I heard that Liverpool have maybe heard of me, that I exist.

"We will see in the summer."

Liverpool Eye Spain Defender Monreal To Solve Defensive Problem

Liverpool's search for a left back has lead them back to Osasuna's Spain international Nacho Monreal.

Director of football strategy Damien Comolli watched the 26-year-old in action last week and was suitably impressed.

Monreal, who has four full caps, suffered a bad knee injury in December but has come back strongly. He was on Liverpool's list of summer targets and came under Arsenal's scrutiny prior to his injury.

Desperate to plug their problem left back position, Liverpool decided against a loan move for Aston Villa's Stephen Warnock in January and cooled their interest in Wigan's Maynor Figueroa but they have watched Newcastle's Jose Enrique and Celtic's Emilio Izaguirre.

Monreal would not come cheap, however, as Osasuna value him at about £9m.

Marcus Pedersen Still Monitored By Reds

Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on striker Marcus Pedersen.

The 20-year-old Norwegian has been impressing in the Eredivisie after joining Vitesse Arnhem in the summer, and tribalfootball claims Liverpool are again monitoring the player.

Pedersen had trials with Liverpool as a teenager, and the Reds have been monitoring his progress ever since. "It was a good experience," the striker recalls.

"I have shaken hands with all the big names, including Steven Gerrard and John Arne Riise. I think I have taken the right step in my career: Norway, then Holland and eventually England."

Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion have also taken an interest in the former Strømsgodset player, who has been capped internationally at every junior level for his country.

His previous stint with the Merseysiders puts them in pole position to land the player should they wish to make a move though, with the Barclays Premier League the self-confessed next stop.

Despite making two striker additions in the summer, it's thought that the Liverpool boss is keen to add another player in the position as cover.

Pedersen fits the bill of young, attacking talent set out by Liverpool owners NESV, and could go on to become a star of the future at Anfield.

Liverpool Target Rabiu Ibrahim Rejects Reds For PSV Eindhoven

Liverpool have reportedly missed out on Nigerian youngster Rabiu Ibrahim.

The Sporting Lisbon starlet rejected the offer of a professional contract with the Portuguese side, raising the hopes of Liverpool that they would be able to land the African ace.

However, reports in the Daily Star claim the player has rejected a potential Anfield move, selecting a switch to PSV Eindhoven over Liverpool.

It's claimed that the Merseysiders have been tracking the former Real Massamá loanee for several years now, with the Reds first taking notice of the player at the 2007 Under 17 World Cup.

Liverpool director of football strategy, Damien Comolli, has been receiving positive reports on the player's progress since arriving at Anfield, but the lure of first team opportunities appear to have drawn the player to Holland.

The move is another sign of the efforts being made by Liverpool to bring young, attacking talent to the club this summer.

Kenny Dalglish has been linked with a string of players in a similar mould, and the Liverpool boss will have to go back to his wish list after missing out on the 20-year-old.

Luis Suarez Reveals He Expected To Partner Fernando Torres When He Joined

Luis Suarez has revealed for the first time that he expected to play alongside Fernando Torres when he signed for Liverpool in the January transfer window.

In an exclusive interview with Goal.com UK, Suarez said it was "a shame" that Torres joined Chelsea but insists he is not concerned about Liverpool losing more of their top players. Suarez conducted the interview at Melwood during a promotion for the adidas adiZero F50 range of boots.

The Uruguayan striker, who signed from Ajax in a £22.8 million deal, also revealed his desire for Kenny Dalglish to remain as Liverpool manager beyond this season and spoke about his decision to move to Anfield despite interest from top clubs across Europe.

Torres joined Chelsea in a £50m deal on the final day of the winter transfer window, just two days after Suarez passed a medical to complete his move to Anfield – and the 24-year-old admits he did not expect the Spaniard to leave the club.

“Yes, it's true I expected to play with Fernando,” Suarez told Goal.com UK. “Fernando is a very good player. He's got great quality and it would have been nice to play with him.

“It's a shame that he's gone as he is an excellent player and has great qualities. But at the same time there are many other great players at Liverpool.

“When one top player goes, perhaps another great player comes in.”

Torres' departure allowed the Reds to complete a £35m swoop for Andy Carroll but speculation has increased over the future of goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who has suggested he may also seek a transfer.

Suarez believes it is inevitable that footballers may want to move on and is concentrating only on building a partnership with Carroll and improving under the guidance of Liverpool great Dalglish.

When asked whether he is worried about other players following Torres out of Anfield, Suarez replied: “This really is an issue for the club, not for me personally.

“Football is a game that changes on a daily basis so these things are going to happen. I just work hard to play for Liverpool.

"Carroll and Torres are very different players. Andy has had an injury and he's just starting to come back into the game. They have different qualities and ways of playing the game, so you can't really make comparisons.

"They have different styles - one might be better at one thing and the other better at something else. Andy is a big, strong player with many qualities and it will be exciting to play with him.

“Having a manager like Kenny Dalglish is really great for me. He is a person of great history and importance at the club. He's one of the best players the club has ever had and now he's correcting me and training me.

“I think it's really great for me to work with a legend such as Kenny and I have enjoyed it so far.”

When asked whether he wanted Dalglish to remain Liverpool manager, Suarez responded: “Yes, of course. I'm looking forward to working with him more in the future.”

Suarez has become an instant hero on the Kop after a highly impressive start to life on Merseyside and starred as he produced two assists in the 3-1 win over rivals Manchester United earlier this month.

Liverpool landed one of the hottest properties in Europe in Suarez, who had attracted interest from the likes of the Reds and Manchester United after scoring 49 goals in all competitions last season.

And the former Groningen and Nacional forward is satisfied he has made the right long-term decision for his career, despite the fact Liverpool sit sixth in the Premier League and may not even qualify for Europe next term.

He added: “I think you have to take hold of the opportunities in the moment and go with them. The opportunity to join Liverpool was there for me in January.

“I was aware of interest from other clubs but Liverpool trusted in me and they were the only ones who specifically asked Ajax to sign me.

“They wanted me a lot and that's why I decided to go with the decision in January. I didn't want to wait until the summer.”

Europa League Preview: Liverpool vs Braga

Liverpool welcomes Braga to Anfield for the second leg of their last-16 Europa League clash aiming to overturn their first-leg defeat.

The Reds slumped to a 1-0 defeat in Portugal last week thanks to Alan's penalty and they will need a big performance to reach the quarter-finals.

Liverpool will have to do it without captain Steven Gerrard as he continues his recovery from a groin operation.

Danish defender Daniel Agger could be back in the squad after missing the last three games with a knee injury.

Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is back in training, but the game has come too quickly for the player.

Defensive duo Martin Kelly and Fabio Aurelio remain on the sidelines with respective hamstring problems.

Striker Luis Suarez is ineligible for the hosts meaning Dirk Kuyt is likely to lead the attack.

Andy Carroll is set to have to content himself with a place on the bench again after two substitute appearances in the last two games after recovering from a long-term thigh problem.

Braga is boosted by the return of captain Vandinho after a month on the sidelines with a thigh injury.

Kaka and Alan are both expected to shake off slight knocks to take their places in the starting line-up.

Custodio and Elderson, who both missed the first meeting with Liverpool with thigh injuries, are again missing for the Portuguese side.

European Status At Risk, Says Dalglish

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is well aware the club's proudly-held European status could hinge on their result against Braga.

The FA Cup semi-final draw was not kind to the Reds' hopes of retaining an interest in continental competition beyond this season. An all-Manchester semi-final means that unless either United or City finish outside the top four, the European place allocated to the FA Cup winners will go to either Stoke or Bolton.

That leaves fifth place in the Premier League as the remaining qualification spot - unless Liverpool can win the Europa League and thereby enter next season's competition as defending champions.

With fifth-placed Tottenham six points ahead with a match in hand that may be the likely scenario for Liverpool, although Dalglish will not give up on catching Spurs in their remaining nine league matches until it is mathematically impossible to do so.

Overcoming a 1-0 deficit from the first leg of their last 16 tie is well within their capabilities as Braga did not suggest a week ago that there was anything to fear from them at Anfield.

''We can only deal with this game. We can't think too far ahead,'' said Dalglish. ''We want to be playing at the highest level we possibly can. To do that we have to win matches, starting with the game tonight.

''We've got to win by two goals to maintain our European status this year. Every game for us is really important. That starts tonight and continues until the end of the season. Where we get to after that will only be determined by how well we do.

''European football and this football club are synonymous. We'd love that to continue.''

The five-time European champions and three-time UEFA Cup winners last failed to qualify for continental competition in 1999, when they finished seventh in the league.

They bounced back to make the Champions League the following year and have been a regular on the European circuit ever since, famously winning their fifth crown in Istanbul in 2005 and reaching the final again in 2007.

However, with the domestic balance of power having changed somewhat with Tottenham's increasing strength and Manchester City's vast wealth, a swift return to the elite competition appears a distant dream at the moment.

But that is not an issue which concerns Dalglish, who can at least take solace from the fact his side cannot play as badly tonight as they did in their opening 45 minutes in Braga.

The Reds boss knows his team will be expected to take the game to the visitors at an expectant Anfield and is confident they can do that.

''I don't think they were too offensive at home,'' he added. ''I would expect Braga to be pretty much how they were in the first leg, that seems to be their style of play home or away.

''On the night they were probably just a bit better than us but we were very disappointed with the way we played. We'd like to think we can play a lot better than we did and if we do it's up to Braga to step up to the plate and lift their game.

''If they don't they could be in a bit of trouble. But the state of the tie won't influence how we go about the game. We'll approach the game as professionally and as determined as we would whatever the score was.''

Dalglish Still Fuming Over Braga Defender Kaka's Elbow On Andy Carroll

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is still fuming over the elbow from Braga defender Kaka on striker Andy Carroll.

The young forward was only just returning from a thigh injury during the first leg in Portugal, and was greeted with an elbow from the opposition side's defender in his first appearance in a European competition.

The Reds gaffer remains baffled by Uefa for not taking any retrospective action on the transgressor, and now believes that the towering hitman should channel his anger towards securing a victory for his team in the reverse fixture at Anfield on Thursday.

"I honestly hadn't seen the incident during the game because Andy had his back to us, but when I saw it on television, you could see it was such a bad challenge," Dalglish said, according to The Mirror.

"If it was one of our players, or a British one, there would have been mayhem. Yet I've not seen much about it since.

"For something as deliberate as that, Uefa must surely have some sort of retrospective retribution. There must be something?"

Uefa have had extra officials for experimental purposes, and the Scot was bemused that not one of them had caught the incident when it took place.

He said: "They aren't referees are they? They're just Santa's little helpers! But to be fair, I've never seen them affect any of the games I've watched.

"But if you don't see it, there should be some form of punishment if it's totally clear."

Dalglish added: "There is one thing going up to protect yourself, it is another completely going up to hurt an opponent - and that was to hurt Andy.

"To do what he did last week, which was keeping his composure, is great credit to him. Now the best way for Andy to answer anything is to be on the winning side. The best way to vent our anger would be to get a good result."

Carra Out To Equal Record

Jamie Carragher will equal Emlyn Hughes's club record of 45 appearances in the competition if he figures in tonight's Europa League clash with SC Braga at Anfield. Here are all the rest of the big match stats.

Liverpool's European record (overall): Pld 327 Won 185 Drawn 71 Lost 71

Liverpool's record in Fairs/UEFA Cup/Europa League: Pld 116 Won 64 Drawn 28 Lost 24

The Reds have won 7 and drawn 1 of the previous 9 meetings with Portuguese opponents at Anfield. The only defeat they have suffered came in the Champions League in 2006 when they were beaten 2-0 by Benfica.

Sporting Braga are Liverpool's 113th different European opponent and the fifth from Portugal following Vitoria Setubal, Benfica, Porto and Boavista.

Liverpool is unbeaten in their last 10 home games in Europe since losing to Fiorentina in December 2009.

Pepe Reina could make his 300th appearance for Liverpool tonight. He will become the 6th Liverpool goalkeeper to achieve the feat following Ray Clemence, Bruce Grobbelaar, Elisha Scott, Tommy Lawrence and Arthur Riley. Pepe has kept 141 clean sheets.

Liverpool has gone into a European second leg at Anfield 12 times having lost 1-0 in the first game. On 8 occasions they have progressed.

Of the 4 they have failed to get through, 2 have come against Portuguese opposition. Vitoral Setubal lost 3-2 in the second leg of a Fairs Cup tie in 1969-70 but won on the away goals rule while Benfica in the Champions League in 2005-06 won 2-0 on the night to reach the quarter-finals.

4 Anfield ties have gone into extra-time in European competition. In 1968-69 Athletic Bilbao won on the toss of a coin after extra time had failed to produce a winner in a Fairs Cup First Round tie. The Reds famously defeated Chelsea on penalties in the 2007 Champions League semi-final while Dirk Kuyt's 117th minute winner settled the qualifying tie with Standard Liege in 2008.

Last season Atletico Madrid lost 2-1 in front of the Kop but became the second team to eliminate the Reds at Anfield after the extra period.

Liverpool have participated in 3 European penalty shoot-outs and won them all - all in the European Cup. They beat Roma and AC Milan in the Finals of 1984 and 2005 respectively and beat Chelsea in that Semi-Final in 2007.

Andy Carroll became the 32nd player used by Liverpool in Europe this season in the first leg in Braga. He has yet to start a European game in his career having played twice, also as a substitute, for Newcastle in their 2006-07 UEFA Cup run.

The Reds have conceded just 5 goals in 13 European games this season.

No team has scored more than 1 goal in a European game against Liverpool in the last 16 matches since Benfica scored twice in April 2010.

Dirk Kuyt has scored 15 goals for Liverpool in Europe (level with Terry McDermott) and is now 2 behind Roger Hunt who is in 4th place on the club's all time scorers list with 17.

David Ngog is the Reds leading scorer in Europe this season with 5 goals though he has not scored in his last 5 Europa League games.

Both Lucas and Christian Poulsen are a yellow card away from a one match ban.

The Reds have not lost in 14 Europa League and UEFA Cup games at Anfield since a 2-0 Quarter-Final loss to Celtic in March 2003.

Braga's European record (overall): Pld 73 Won 34 Drawn 10 Lost 29

Braga's record in Fairs/UEFA Cup/Europa League: Pld 51 Won 20 Drawn 9 Lost 22

They have never won the league title in Portugal and lifted the Cup once in 1965-66.

They are nicknamed 'The Arsenalists' due to the resemblance of their home kit to that of the Gunners.

This is the 3rd time they have reached the last 16 of this competition - all in the last 5 seasons doing so previously in 2006-07 (losing to Tottenham) and 2008-09 (being eliminated by Paris St Germain).

This is their 7th successive season in European competition.

Braga have won 2 and lost 4 of their 6 away games in Europe this season. They won 4-3 at Sevilla in a Champions League play-off and 1-0 at Partizan in the group stages.

Lima scored a 32-minute second half hat-trick in Braga's 4-3 win at Sevilla in that Play-Off game.

Hugo Viana made one of his 61 appearances for Newcastle United against Liverpool in a 2-2 draw at Anfield in September 2002.

Last week Alan scored Braga's 100th goal in European competition.

Their biggest European defeat was the 6-0 reverse they suffered at the Emirates against Arsenal in their Champions League group back in September.

Liverpool is Braga's 6th different English opponent in Europe having already played West Brom, Tottenham (twice), Bolton, Portsmouth and Arsenal.

They have never won on English soil having lost 4 times and drawn 1-1 at Bolton in the UEFA Cup Group Stage in 2007-08, in their 5 visits.

Braga have never reached the quarter-finals of this competition.

Braga have lost 3 of their last 4 European away games without scoring, conceding 9 times in the process.

Like Liverpool, Braga had the weekend off.

Away from home in league and cup they have lost 1 of the last 5 games - at Lech Poznan in the last round of the Europa League.

They have never been involved in a penalty shoot-out in Europe.

Liverpool Facing Madrid Battle For £13m Ivorian Ace

Liverpool striker target Gervinho is being linked with a move to Atletico Madrid.

The Ivorian international striker has been on the Anfield radar for some time now, with reports back in December claiming Liverpool made a bid in the region of £12 million for the player's signature.

Reports in Spain now claim that Atletico have joined the chase though, with both Bayern Munich and Newcastle also thought to be interested in the player's services.

With the player holding out on a new contract at Lille, the Ligue 1 side may be forced to sell one of their prized assets or face the prospect of losing him on a free next summer.

It's thought that Les Douges are hoping to command a fee in the region of £13 million for the player, a fee close to what Liverpool originally offered in January.

A striker who can also play in the wing positions, Gervinho has built an impressive reputation at the Stade Lille-Metropole, and also has 19 international caps to his name.

The 23-year-old is eager to develop further, and Liverpool could offer the player that opportunity with director of football strategy Damien Comolli a known admirer of the player.

Impressive performances against the Reds in previous Europa League outings are also thought to have player a factor in the interest of Liverpool, and the transfer battle could be fierce for one of the top strikers from Africa.

Dalglish Plans Double Summer Swoop For Crystal Palace Kids Zaha & Williams

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is preparing a double raid on Crystal Palace for hot prospects Wilfried Zaha and Jon Williams.

Anfield scouts have been monitoring Zaha during his first full season for Palace and Dalglish has had glowing reports about the 18-year-old striker, who is also interesting Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle.

Zaha has recently been called up to the England Under-19 squad.

Williams, 17, is a Wales Under-21 international but is yet to make his first-team bow at Selhurst Park.

The attacking midfielder has impressed for the reserves and Dalglish will try to tempt both teenagers to Merseyside in the summer.

Jay Spearing Aims To Seize Big Anfield Opportunity

Jay Spearing is hoping to seize his chance to replace Steven Gerrard in the Liverpool midfield, as the Reds prepare for tonight’s Europa League D-Day.

The Reds take on Portuguese outfit SC Braga at Anfield tonight looking to overcome a first-leg deficit and book their place in the last eight.

And while skipper Gerrard is expected to be out for at least four weeks after undergoing surgery on a groin injury, his 22-year-old understudy is eager to convince manager Kenny Dalglish that he is worthy of a regular first team place.

“In every game we play Stevie is a massive influence,” says Spearing.

“He showed that in this competition earlier in the season when he came on (against Napoli) and got a hat-trick. That showed the presence he has.

“With him out it’s up to us to step up and stake our claim for a regular place.”

The Wirral-born midfielder has enjoyed the most productive season of his fledgling career so far, making a total of ten appearances – including a surprise start against Everton in Dalglish’s first home game in charge back in January.

And though ankle and foot injuries have limited his involvement over the past three months, Spearing is determined to continue his ascent towards a regular senior spot.

“Obviously it was frustrating getting injured,” he says. “When the manager picked me for the derby it was a massive confidence boost for me.

“To play in that game and then pick up an injury so soon after coming back was a blow, but I’m over that now.

“I got a few games in the Europa League under Roy Hodgson, and then the new boss has come in and shown confidence in me. Kenny has given me a few games and now I have got to keep going.

“It’s a big time for me to show what I am capable of doing.”

Spearing played 90 minutes in north west Portugal as the Reds were beaten 1-0 by Domingos Paciencia’s side seven days ago.

And while the youngster admits last week’s performance was disappointing and that Braga remains a formidable opponent, he insists confidence is high at Anfield.

“The Europa League is a massive competition for ourselves,” he says, “especially as we’re out of the FA Cup and Carling Cup.

“It is a chance to pick up some silverware. Hopefully that can start in this game and we can get through to the next round.

“Braga showed in the first game what they can do. They put us under a lot of pressure in the first half. We weren’t happy with the way we played.

“But in the second half we improved and put them under pressure. Andy Carroll, with the presence he has, caused them a lot of problems.

“We all believe we can win at home.”

His manager, meanwhile, has paid tribute to the midfielder and says the emergence of the likes of Spearing and fellow academy graduate Martin Kelly is good news for the club.

“Jay started the Merseyside derby and we didn’t know he was injured at that stage,” said Dalglish.

“It was disappointing for him to come back in and find out he was injured.

“Jay is a fantastic character. From working with him I’ve seen things I didn’t notice about him before.

“Martin, too, was fantastic before he pulled his hamstring.

“To get a young boy in the squad challenging for positions is great for everyone connected with the football club. It gives everyone a lift.

“We’ve always said it doesn’t matter where you were born, but obviously to see local, home-grown lads coming through is great for the club.”

Brazilian Starlet Denies Liverpool Switch

Wolfsburg midfielder Diego says he has no intention of joining Liverpool.

The 26-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to England after a difficult season at the Volkswagen Arena with the club on the verge of relegation from the Bundesliga.

Despite the disappointing season, the Brazilian midfielder is refusing to think about a move away.

"I’m very happy at this moment to be here in Wolfsburg. I have a good contract and I feel very happy as a player," he told The Independent.

"I have too much respect for Wolfsburg as a club to let anything distract me at the moment. We have some very important games coming up and I’ll be doing everything I can to help the team win."

"At the end of the season maybe things will change but right now I’m 100 per cent concentrated on playing for Wolfsburg."

Muntari Holds No Suarez Grudge

Sulley Muntari will happily shake hands with the man who shattered his World Cup dreams when Sunderland host Liverpool this Sunday.

Muntari and his Ghana team-mates looked to be heading into the semi-finals in South Africa last summer when, with the score at 1-1 in the final seconds of extra-time, Uruguay striker Luis Suarez handled on the line to deny Dominic Adiyiah a dramatic winner.

Suarez was dismissed and the Ghanaians were awarded a penalty, but as a whole continent held its breath, Asamoah Gyan fired against the crossbar from the spot, and his side eventually bowed out of the competition after a heart-breaking shoot-out.

Both Muntari and Gyan could meet their World Cup nemesis at the weekend Suarez, a £22.8million January signing from Ajax, arrives at the Stadium of Light with Liverpool.

However, while Suarez's intervention that night at Johannesburg's Soccer City may have presented him with one of his most painful moments in football, Muntari, who had earlier scored his side's goal, is not bitter.

Asked if he would shake the striker's hand, he said: "Yes, of course. Why not? He is a fantastic player.

"If it was me on the post, that's what I am going to do. I am not going to get it with one hand, I am going to get it with two hands and then I am going to go out and make way for Ghana.

"Definitely, I am going to shake his hand. It's part of football.

"Personally, I have no bad intention towards him, I haven't any grudge against him.

"What about if I was the one who got the ball and he didn't win? Am I going to be his enemy?

"It's part of football. But I am not going to be playing against only Suarez, it is going to be Sunderland against Liverpool and we want to win the game, so we have got to make it bad for them here."

Gyan's memories of the game remain understandably raw, but he too insists he has no problem with Suarez.

The 25-year-old, who scored in the shoot-out moments after missing his first effort from 12 yards, said: "Every time I see him I just remember what happened at the World Cup. But life goes on.

"I am a good sportsman. People ask me if I am going to shake his hand when he comes to the Stadium of Light, and I say, 'why not?'

"It's football. I wish him well and he is doing well. He is a young lad who is coming up.

"He did what he should have done at the World Cup. He took his country to the semi-finals.

"Life goes on."

Defender John Mensah also played against Uruguay and all three men could line up for the Black Cats against the Kenny Dalglish's side on Sunday.

Muntari joined his compatriots on Wearside in a loan move from Inter Milan in January, and although a deal is in place to make the switch permanent if it suits all parties at the end of the season, he is not even thinking about his future yet.

He said: "Right now, I want to concentrate on Sunderland and these nine weeks that are left.

"We are doing well at the moment, but not really what we wanted. We want to be in the top six and it's not finished yet, we want to be there.

"After that, I will start thinking about my future, but right now, it is not about me, it's about the team. That's the most important thing."