Kuyt spares Liverpool millions of regrets

Published on Thursday 28 August 2008 00:30

DIRK Kuyt struck the extra-time winner which will be worth millions to Liverpool as they secured their place in the Champions League group stages.

Kuyt has been Liverpool's lucky charm in such games, and this was his ninth goal in 15 European outings.

Last season he scored seven times as Liverpool reached the semi-finals, but none were worth more than the one he forced over the line with two minutes of extra-time left.

Liverpool had stood on the brink of a shattering elimination from the competition as brave Liege pushed them to the very limits.

It took a fine, low save from Jose Reina after seven minutes from Dieumerci Mbokani's 20-yard shot to keep Standard from taking an early lead.

Liverpool midfielder Nabil El Zhar should have had a penalty in extra-time when he was sent tumbling in the box, but eventually Liverpool forced their way ahead when Ryan Babel's cross found Kuyt at the far post.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Kuyt, Gerrard, Alonso, Benayoun, Keane, Torres. Subs: Cavalieri, Dossena, Agger, Babel, Spearing, Plessis, El Zhar.

Standard Liege: Aragon, Camozzato, Onyewu, Sarr, Dante, Dalmat, Fellaini, Defour, Witsel, De Camargo, Mbokani. Subs: Devriendt, Goreux, Toama, Mikulic, Jovanovic, Nicaise, Ingrao.

Referee: M Busacca (Switz).