Gerrard fires Reds to victory

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The Stade Velodrome had been the venue for Liverpool's European salvation last season, and Gerrard made sure it was a welcome return to the south of France.

Marseille had taken the lead early on through their skipper Lorik Cana, but Gerrard - already Liverpool's record scorer in Europe - grabbed a fine equaliser with an outstanding 25-yard curler. Then six minutes later he cracked home a twice-taken penalty to give Liverpool something to hang on to.

And they needed to fight hard as the French side battled bravely in the second period, but Liverpool clinched their victory with a defiant rearguard action.

The Reds included both Gerrard and Fernando Torres in their starting line-up for the opening group D clash. Both key players have been recovering from injury and their inclusion was a major boost for the Anfield club.

After 23 minutes the French side were ahead when they caught Liverpool square and punished them with a fine goal. Rarely are Liverpool exposed straight through the middle, but when Benoit Cheyrou's first-time ball sent Cana clear, his quality side-footed finish sent the Velodrome fans wild.

Liverpool's response was emphatic. Two minutes later Torres won possession on the halfway line and presented Dirk Kuyt with a pass on the right that was instantly played into Gerrard's path. The Liverpool skipper struck a first-time, curling effort from 25-yards that soared over Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda into the far corner for the equaliser.

And after 31 minutes Liverpool were ahead. Ryan Babel's sharp turn in the box ended with Ronald Zubar's trip and a penalty. Zubar was booked before Gerrard struck the ball past Mandanda off the post. But Austrian referee Konrad Plautz ordered a re-take because Kuyt had encroached into the box. Gerrard kept his nerve and clinically netted a second time to put Liverpool ahead.

Marseille could easily have been level when Vitorino Hilton met a corner with a fierce downward header that Jose Reina managed to hold on to.

Babel saw a golden chance to finish the contest go to waste after 74 minutes when Albert Riera and Yossi Benayoun set him up close in, only for Mandanda to save the point-blank effort. But the visitors were not made to pay as they held on for a vital victory.