Torres looks on as Liverpool snatch a late draw at home to Atletico

Fernando Torres was forced to watch the Champions League draw between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid from the stands. The striker fell out of the squad following the team’s final training session on the morning of the match.

The game was played entirely in the Atletico half as Liverpool dominated possession from start to finish. Keane had a chance as early as the second minute, but the forward could not get a clean strike on a loose ball in the box following a Red corner.


Atletico seemed content to pump the ball as far as possible from their area, and one of these long clearances fell kindly to Antonio Lopez who set-up Maxi to score from close range. The goal came completely out of the blue in what proved to be Atletico’s only shot on target during the whole match.

The second-half was a carbon copy of the first-half, as Liverpool laid siege to Atletico’s goal. Leo Franco had to be alert to save from Agger and Kuyt, as Gerrard came close with two long-range efforts.

Leo Franco was Atletico’s saviour again as the keeper kept out Ngog’s snap-shot. The Madrid based club continued to ride their luck as an un-marked Agger headed agonisingly wide from a Gerrard corner.

Deep into stoppage time the referee pointed to the spot following a challenge on Gerrard by Pernia in the Atletico box. The Anfield club captain made no mistake, sending Leo Franco the wrong way to equalise with virtually the last kick of the game.

The result leaves the two teams level on points at the top of Group D. The other group clash ended 3-0 Olympique Marseille, who move up to third with three points, tied with PSV Eindhoven.

As in the game a fortnight ago in Madrid, both sets of supporters dedicated chants to Fernando Torres who was sat in the stands. The striker should be back in contention for the Reds’ next Premier League clash at home to West Brom.

- Match Stats: Liverpool 1–1 Atletico Madrid

Liverpool: Reina; Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Fabio Aurelio, Xabi Alonso, Mascherano (Leiva, 36), Gerrard, Riera (Babel, 61), Kuyt, Keane (Ngog, 70).

Goals: Gerrard, 94 (pen)

Atletico Madrid: Leo Franco, Antonio Lopez, Heitinga, Perea, Pernia, Assunçao, Maniche, Raul Garcia, Simao, Maxi Rodriguez, Forlan (Agüero, 70).

Booked: Maniche, Pernia, Perea, Heitinga, Agüero