European Champions League

Liverpool 1 - Atlético Madrid 1

Liverpool: Reina; Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Fabio Aurelio; Xabi Alonso, Mascherano (Lucas Leiva 76'); Kuyt, Gerrard, Riera (Babel 60'); Keane (N'Gog 70'). 4-2-3-1.
Atlético: Leo Franco; Antonio López, Perea, Heitinga, Pernía; Paulo Assunçao, Raúl García; Maxi, Maniche, Simao (Luis García 89'); Diego Forlán (Agüero 70'). 4-2-3-1.

Goals:
0-1. 38. Maxi. Picked up Antonio López pass and went past Carragher to score.
1-1. 95. Gerrard (penalty). After Pernía and Gerrard ran in to each other in area.

Atlético Madrid were seconds away from an epic victory in Anfield, but in the end they had to settle for a draw after Liverpool equalised with a controversial last minute penalty.

The English side threw everything they had at their opponents for the first half hour, with Leo Franco saving from Keane and Agger, and Keane and Riera shooting wide. Atlético were let off a penalty when the ball hit Assunçao on the arm, and their only reply was a shot over the top from Simao on a rapid counter-attack. With seven minutes to go to the break however the Spaniards scored with virtually their first shot on target, Maxi picking up Antonio López's pass and running on past Carragher to beat Reina.

The second half carried on in the same vein with Liverpool pushing forward, Agger, Gerrard and Carragher all going close. Swedish referee Martin Hansson appeared not to want to get involved, turning down further penalty appeals for hand ball by Perea for the visitors, and Mascherano and Carragher for the locals.

But with the game coming to an end Hansson ruled that Pernía had fouled Gerrard in the area when the two players challenged for a 50/50 ball, and the England midfielder drilled home the resulting spot kick. Atlético were indignant, but the draw still leaves them top of the group, close to qualifying for the knockout stage.