Europa League: Liverpool v Trabzonspor half time report
Liverpool 1 Trabzonspor 0
Ryan Babel struck on the stroke of half time to give a much changed Liverpool the lead in their Europa League playoff first leg against Trabzonspor at Anfield.
The hosts had struggled to break down a well-organised and well-drilled Turkish outfit, but Joe Cole sent Babel clear in first half stoppage time, and the Dutchman coolly finished into the corner of the net with his right foot.
Sotirios Kyrgiakos had come close with an early header, but it was largely a half of frustration for the hosts, with Trabzonspor’s Burak Yilmaz coming close with a header at the other end.
Liverpool – fielding several players who haven’t played much football throughout the summer – will now look to build upon their lead in the second half, but they’ll be mindful not to underestimate their impressive visitors.