Reds march into last 16

12 April 2012

Liverpool clinched a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League thanks to a clinical 4-0 dismantling of Marseille.

Early first-half goals by Steven Gerrard, following a rebound from his own penalty, and Fernando Torres put the Reds 2-0 ahead after 11 minutes.

Dirk Kuyt made it three just after the break and substitute Ryan Babel added a fourth late on as Liverpool sealed a second-placed finish in Group A.

In truth, the Reds could and should have won by more, such was their dominance and the Marseille lethargy, especially at the back.

It was a special night for Gerrard, who opened the scoring when he powered home the rebound from a penalty he won himself.

That was his 23rd goal in the Champions League, overtaking a milestone he had shared jointly with Michael Owen.

Torres was a pest to the Marseille rearguard throughout and his 11th-minute goal was a gem, a mazy run topped off with an ice-cold finish.

Kuyt and substitute Babel scored neatly-taken goals at either end of the second half as Marseille imploded.

They can at least console themselves with a UEFA Cup spot, while Reds coach Rafael Benitez can go into Sunday's meeting with club owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett in renewed heart.

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