Reds 1-2 Lyon

Liverpool's season slumped to a new low as they threw away the lead to lose 2-1 against Lyon at Anfield in the UEFA Champions League after a last-gasp goal from Cesar Delgado.

Yossi Benayoun had given Rafa Benitez's under-pressure side a first-half lead, but Maxime Gonalons and Delgado earned Group E leaders Lyon a victory to send tremors across Merseyside.

The Reds knew they were facing the prospect of four successive defeats for the first time since 1987 following setbacks at Fiorentina, Chelsea and Sunderland, but they failed to produce a performance which merited a win.
 
Liverpool were rocked midway through the first half as captain Steven Gerrard was substituted as a precautionary measure following tightness in his groin, an injury which ruled him out at the Stadium of Light.
 
However, the Reds recovered and on 41 minutes the England ace's replacement, Fabio Aurelio, hit a cross-shot which fortuitously found Benayoun at the back post and the Israeli made no mistake.
 
The low-level confidence of Benitez's men was given a clear lift by the goal, but on 72 minutes the defensive frailties which have plagued their season were again evident as Gonalons nodded in following two good saves from Jose Reina.
 
Liverpool, who face Manchester United in the Premier League at the weekend, were then stunned on the stroke of full-time as Delgado tapped in following an electric counter-attack. 
 
This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the views or position of Liverpool Football Club.