Liverpool dug out a deserved 0-0 draw against Italian Champions Roma to ensure their Champions League campaign is still alive when Gerard Houllier returns to the fray in February. The Premiership leaders, still reeling from their 3-1 collapse at home to group favourites Barcelona at Anfield a fortnight ago, gave a gutsy performance that was large on commitment and effort, with their much heralded defence again well on top throughout.
Liverpool's heroes on the night were 'keeper Jerzy Dudek and his henchmen Sami Hyypia and Stephane Henchoz. Liverpool enjoyed the lionshare of possession in the opening stages and, from a half-cleared free kick, Liverpool almost scored on 14 minutes when Smicer got in behind him for a first time volley. However, chances were few and far between for both sides in a tentative encounter which was marred by ruthless tackling, especially by the Italians during a passion-filled first half.
Gabriel Batistuta and Brazilian Emerson went close for the home side during the opening period in front of 70,000 impatient fans, while Emile Heskey also threatened for the visitors. Roma emerged after the break with a more obvious intent, with Totti and substitute Marcos Assuncao seeing efforts drift wide of Dudek’s post as they searched for the opening.
Assuncao almost broke the deadlock on 65 minutes with a searing free kick that bent inches wide of a post, and a series of efforts from Totti, Emerson, Francisco Lima and Assuncao again failed to find a breakthrough as Liverpool fought for their lives and hung on.
In the group's other game tonight, Barcelona fought back from two goals down to earn a point against Galatasaray thanks to second half goals from Javier Saviola. Umit Karan gave the Turks a fifth minute lead with Andres Fleurquin doubling their advantage on 41 minutes, only for Saviola to strike with a second half brace to deny them a memorable victory at the Nou Camp.
Filed by Shane Murray
