Ryan Babel Ensures Victory for Liverpool over Trabzonspor

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LONDON (GaeaTimes.com) — Liverpool has taken a narrow lead at Europa League qualifier after beating Trabzonspor for 1-0. Ryan Babel was the goal scorer of the day for Liverpool.

Although manager Roy Hodgson has made seven changes in the team, Liverpool had taken an early lead when Maxi Rodriguez’s corner was pawed away by Kivrak in the Trabzonspor goal. Almost on the stroke of half-time, the Merseysiders did finally click into gear to take the lead. Joe Cole picked up possession in the center circle before turning and feeding Babel out on the left. The Dutchman then took a superb first touch before picking his spot and clipping the ball past Kivrak to open the scoring for the home side.

But on the second half, Fernando Torres came out in the field replacing Babel at the break. He was on the verge of scoring Liverpool’s 2nd goal when his shot was punched over the bar by the Trabzonspor goal-keeper.

Yet just as the Reds looked to be taking complete control of the match, Trabzonspor almost grabbed a vital away goal just shy of the hour mark. A clever run by Umut Bulut beat the Liverpool offside trap but not Reina, who managed to tip his fierce shot into the ground and over the bar.

By wining this game, Liverpool has taken a slender advantage over Turkey for the second leg of the league.