OK, I knew this was an important game for Liverpool because it could get them to the group stage of CL, but I didn't realize how important. Apparently, Liverpool are now over 100 million pounds in debt after their summer transfers. I didn't realize it was that bad. That debt would balloon out of control if they didn't have the money that playing in CL group stage gives. In other words, a loss tonight could theoretically turn them into Leeds.

They won the first league 2-1 but a 1-0 Maccabi Haifa win would see them out of CL. They'll be missing Carragher and Riise as they injured their ankles against Sheffield United last week.

There's an article on www.football365.com that takes about it a bit more.

Damn!! I knew they buying a lot of players, but I just assumed that they we're stinking rich after winning the champions league.

as an ardent ManU fan i could care less what happens to the reds and usually hope they lose every match, but as a sports fan i would hate to see that happen to such a tradition rich club with a great history.

Not to metion us ManUtd fans need them around in the Premiership to beat up on Chelsea once in a while.

0-0 after 35 minutes. The "surprise" face is because Gerrard isn't playing. Came down with a stomach bug overnight and was only fit enough to make the bench. That means 3 of their best players (Riise, Carragher, and Gerrard) are unavailable.

Seems as if Liverpool is controlling play but Reina almost gifted Maccabi Haifa a goal after a crap clearance.

Well, Liverpool looks to be OK. Crouch scores of a Pennant assist to take a 1-0 lead in the 54th minute. That means Maccabi Haifa will have to score 2 just to force extra time.

I almost jinxed them. Maccabi Haifa scored 1 in the 73rd and if not for a great save by Reina in the 83rd, would have had a second to force extra time. Sissoko was stretchered off adding to the injury problems for Liverpool.

I MISSED THIS!!!