UCL: Liverpool woes continue

A lame 1-0 defeat away to Swiss side Basel has once again highlighted the growing problems at Liverpool. With their season unravelling in spectacular style, Liverpool were second best against a Basel team who were thrashed 5-1 in their UCL opener against defending champions Real Madrid a fortnight earlier. Even more of a concern for Liverpool is the fact that Liverpool's next two matches will be against Real Madrid, and on this form Liverpool will be heading for a thrashing of their own. Mario Balotelli was ineffective again, and fans will be growing increasingly frustrated with his continued efforts to win free kicks by going to ground far too easily, combined with what seems to be an inability to switch in to top gear, he lacks pace and once again spent the majority of the match walking around like a sulking teenager. In captain Steven Gerrard's own words, "We were second best against an OK team - I wouldn't say they were fantastic. I expected to win so it's very disappointing". Sadly, Liverpool fans will mirror their captains thoughts but it is difficult to see a team with such an ineffective attack, and a midfield still learning to play together, challenging in any competition this season.

In other UCL action, Arsenal were at their best as they defeated Galatasaray 4-1, courtesy of an impressive Welbeck hat-trick, only the sixth English player to manage the feat. Welbeck's performance has already led to discussions comparing him to the legendary Thierry Henry and Gunners manager Wenger purring with delight.

Italian champions Juventus went down to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spanish champions Atletico Madrid after a 74th minute Ada Turan goal, while Real Madrid came back from a goal down to beat Ludogorets 2-1 after a Ronaldo penalty and a late Benzema goal spared their blushes.

Champions League Results:

Atl Madrid 1-0 Juventus

Malmo FF 2-0 Olympiakos

Basel 1-0 Liverpool

Ludogorets 1-2 Real Madrid

Zenit St P 0-0 Monaco

Bayer Leverkn 3-1 Benfica

Arsenal 4-1 Galatasaray

Anderlecht 0-3 Bor Dortmund