Champions League: Gerrard Rescues Liverpool On CL Return

A late penalty from Steven Gerrard secured a 2-1 win for Liverpool over Ludogorets on their return to the UEFA Champions League at Anfield.

Brendan Rodgers was forced play Mario Balotelli alone upfront, as Daniel Sturridge remains sidelined, while Raheem Sterling returned to the starting line-up after starting on the bench against Aston Villa.

The first half got off to a sluggish start and chances were hard to come by, despite Liverpool dominating most of the possession statistics.

However, the hosts came close in the 22nd minute as Adam Lallana's long range effort forced Ludogorets goalkeeper Borjan into a fine save.

Brendan Rodgers' men came close to breaking the deadlock just before the halftime break, as Dejan Lovren's header sailed inches wide of the upright, after getting on the end of Gerrard's corner.

The second half started much like the first stanza, as the first chance arrived in the 72nd minute, with Ludogorets' Marcelinho struck the upright from close range.

Liverpool eventually took the lead in the 82nd minute, as Alberto Moreno picked out Mario Balotelli finished with a delightful effort with the outside of his boot for his first goal for the Reds.

The visitors then silenced the Anfield faithful in the 90th minute, as Dani Abalo showed great composure to round Simon Mignolet before slotting into an empty net.

However, two minutes later the Reds managed to seal the three points, thanks to a penalty from Gerrard, after Borjan had brought down Javi Manquillo in the area.