Twitter Reacts to Mario Balotelli, Steven Gerrard's Performances vs. Ludogorets

Liverpool needed a last-minute goal from Steven Gerrard to survive a feisty Ludogorets team on Tuesday in UEFA Champions League play, winning 2-1.

The Bulgarian club proved to be more of a challenge than expected, as the Reds failed to produce any meaningful chances in the first 80 minutes.

Ludogorets appeared to be cruising to an excellent result, but a wacky final 10 minutes turned the entire match on its head.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Mario Balotelli had struggled for much of the night, but when it mattered the most, he produced an excellent piece of skill that gave Liverpool the goal they so desperately needed.

Controlling the ball in between two defenders, Super Mario displayed a great deal of strength to keep the ball and find space, before prodding home in the far corner.

Playing badly and yet being decisive is what makes good strikers great, something the Daily Mirror's Nooruddean Choudry also noted:

According to WhoScored.com, Balotelli scored with his very first shot on goal:

He also became the first Italian to score for four different Champions League clubs, per Infostrada Sports:

This Is Anfield's Simon Steers believed the Italian showed he's the kind of striker capable of rescuing a team that isn't playing well:

Di Marzio's David Amoyal was mainly happy for the forward:

The goal appeared to liberate Liverpool, but the visitors fought back and equalised just minutes later through Dani Abalo.

The hosts surged forward in search of a win, and they were given a golden opportunity in stoppage time when Javier Manquillo was brought down inside the box by stopper Milan Borjan.

Captain Steven Gerrard didn't hesitate, giving the Reds the three points on the night. Per Squawka, it was his 40th European goal for the club:

The penalty spot is still where the veteran does most of his damage, via WhoScored:

He became just the fourth English player to score 20 Champions League goals, per OptaJoe:

As far as Liverpool players go, he's on a level of his own, per the BBC's Ben Smith:

As shared by Footy Vines.com, Gerrard was very critical of his team's performance, however:

Liverpool will have expected a far more glorious return to the biggest stage of European football, but three points are three points. Top players make their presence know when it matters the most, and on Tuesday, both longtime starter Gerrard and new arrival Balotelli did exactly that.

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