Source: Liverpool_Echo
Liverpool FC can’t complain over gutsy Lyon display against Fiorentina
NO MIRACLE and no grandstand finish to this season's Champions League group stage.[LNB]Just a painfully meaningless clash with Fiorentina at Anfield in a fortnight before Liverpool face up to life with the continent's also-rans in the Europa League.[LNB]A road that Rafa Benitez hoped would lead all the way to his native city of Madrid in May has been shut off before the Christmas decorations are up.[LNB]Having narrowly overcome whipping boys Debrecen in Budapest last night, the Reds could only sit and watch as the final moments were played out at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence.[LNB]They craved a favour from Lyon but the Frenchmen couldn't oblige.[LNB]However, anyone pointing an accusing finger in the direction of Claude Puel's side would be barking up the wrong tree.[LNB]Lyon's passage to the last 16 may have already been secured, but any fears they may only travel to Italy to make up the numbers were dispelled with a display high on endeavour and commitment.[LNB]But for two fine late saves from home keeper Sebastien Frey, Lyon would have departed with the point which would have kept the Reds' hopes of progress alive.[LNB]As it was Fiorentina survived and celebrated their place in the knockout stages courtesy of Juan Manuel Vargas' first half penalty.[LNB]Puel had vowed to field a strong side and was true to his word with only dangerman Lisandro Lopez left out of the starting line-up.[LNB]A Fiorentina team shorn of the attacking talents of Adrian Mutu and Stevan Jovetic, appeared nervous early on and reluctant to commit players forward.[LNB]But news of Liverpool's breakthrough in Hungary appeared to sting them into action and Lyon soon rode their luck.[LNB]Argentinean midfielder Mario Alberto Santana's sweetly-struck volley bounced back off the woodwork and fell kindly for Alberto Gilardino. The Italian striker appeared destined to score but keeper Hugo Lloris reacted smartly to push his effort behind.[LNB]From the ensuing corner, Gilardino was cursing his misfortune once again as his header came back off the far post.
