Liverpool 1, Unirea Urziceni 0: Player Ratings

David N'Gog struck in the 81st minute to give Liverpool a 1-0 first leg advantage vs Unirea Urziceni in a dull encounter.

Player Ratings:

Liverpool:

Pepe Reina 8: Had nothing to apart from one shot that was on target from the visitors.

Jamie Carragher 8 : Didn't have much to do in defense, spent most of the game in Unirea's half.

Daniel Agger 8: Was a passenger for most of the game but did well whenever needed.

Martin Sktrel 8 : Had a glorious chance to score from a free header but missed, did his defensive duties well.

Fabio Aurelio 8 : Played well defensively and attacked down the left too, struck some good set pieces.

Dirk Kuyt 6 : Worked hard but wasn't threatening at all.

Alberto Aquilani 5.5 : Was rather anonymous for most of the game until being substituted in the 75th minute.

Javier Mascherano 8: Played well, looked enthusiastic, made some very good tackles, and was unlucky not to have won a penalty.

Albert Riera 5.5 : Disappointing performance by the Spaniard, wasn't at his best. Substituted in the 63rd minute.

Steven Gerrard 8 : Was very much involved in the game, was very close to scoring from some of his efforts.

David N'Gog 6.5 : Disappointing performance from the young French forward too, his first touch was a bit too heavy on most of the occasions, but scored the vital goal in the end. Substituted in the 89th minute.

Substitutes:

Ryan Babel (63 ') 9: Looked really good, took on defenders, and was full of confidence, his cross lead to the only goal.

Daniel Pacheco (75') 8 : A good cameo appearance from the little Spaniard, he headed back Babel's cross for N'Gog to nod in.

Lucas Leiva (89') : N/A

MOTM:

Ryan Babel