Liverpool won the battle but lost the war as they beat Debrecen 1-0, only for Fiorentina to defeat Lyon 1-0 to condemn the Reds to the Europa League.

By Vincent Lai

David Ngog scored the only goal of the game in the fourth minute, as he deftly back-heeled Jamie Carragher header into the back of the net.

Liverpool:

Pepe Reina: 6

Had virtually nothing to do for most of the match, with the Reds enjoying over 60% of ball possession. Reina could have doubled up as an auxiliary striker if he so wanted to, such was the dearth of Debrecen possession and chances. Made two important saves against Rudolph and Coulibaly in stoppage time to spare Liverpool some embarrassment.

Glen Johnson: 6

Played to his usual standards, defending well and overlapping when the opportunity arose. Final ball was a little lacking though.

Jamie Carragher: 7

Defended stoutly for Liverpool without the mistakes he's known for. Carragher's cushion header back into the six-yard area gifted David Ngog the first goal.

Daniel Agger: 6

Dismantled what little attacking opportunities Debrecen had with relative ease, until the last fifteen minutes, when things got a little testy.

Emiliano Insua: 6

Played well with Fabio Aurelio, as the Argentine left-back was interchangeable with the Brazilian in both attack and defence.

Dirk Kuyt: 6

The Dutchman huffed and puffed as usual, as he led Liverpool in pure grit and effort.

Lucas: 6

A rare sighting at the match against Debrecen: Lucas tackling and shoving away the opposition with ease!

Javier Mascherano: 7

Tried his best to supplement the attack along with his usual defensive energy, but it was all for naught.

Fabio Aurelio: 7 (off 89')

The Brazilian provided quality crosses from the left flank, and fell back to defend with Insua overlapped.

Steven Gerrard: 7 (off 90')

Gerrard tried to do everything he could to ensure a Liverpool thumping of Debrecen, but could not unlock the Hungarian defence.

David Ngog: 8 (off 77')

Got the final touch to Carragher's header, a back-heel, as he drew first blood for Liverpool. Had two more shots on goal, one short-ranged blast and another long-range missile, but Vukasin Poleksic was up to the task on both occasions.

Subs:

Alberto Aquilani: No Rating (on 90')

Was given thirty seconds to stretch his legs.

Yossi Benayoun: 6 (on 77')

Could not conjure the usual magic surrounding his entrance into a game, but boy did he try.

Andrea Dossena: No Rating (on 89')

Rafa wanted to get him some fresh air before his possible trip back to Italy.

Debrecen:

Vukasin Poleksic: 9

Was definitely Debrecen's man-of-the-match as he stopped everything that was thrown at him (he could do nothing for the opening goal), including one of Ngog's shots which he leapt full-stretch to palm the ball away! Denied Gerrard on two occasions as well.

Laszlo Bodnar: 7

One of the players who got the ball when Debrecen did get to attack. Threatening crosses gave Liverpool some trouble.

Norbert Meszaros: 6

Did well providing a wall for Poleksic, blocking shot after shot. Did well to block Gerrard in the second half from close range.

Mirsad Mijadinoski: 6

Another wall for Poleksic as the Debrecen defenders sacrificed life, limb and looks to stop all shots at all cost.

Marcell Fodor: 6 (off 78')

Didn't feature much in the game, as he was stationed deep on the left flank to counter Johnson.

Zoltan Szelesi: 7

Gets a 7 just because he stretched to clear the ball off the goal-line to keep Debrecen in the game.

Zoltan Kiss: 5

Could not get anything going offensively.

Peter Szakaly: 5 (off 62')

Was struggling to keep possession of the ball.

Peter Czvitkovics: 6

Trekked back to help in the defence as Debrecen opted to put ten-men behind the ball.

Zsolt Laczko: 5

Tried his best to get on the few long balls that came his way, but could not manufacture anything of note.

Gergely Rudolf: 6

Worked hard for his chances, but just could not convert, even heading one ball wide off a cross from Bodnar. Had a chance to score deep into injury time, but was mowed off the ball by Carragher.

Subs:

Tibor Dombi: 5 (on 78')

Didn't contribute much to warrant a better rating.

Adamo Coulibaly: 7 (on 62')

An inspired substitution for Debrecen as he could have equalized on three occasions, including the last shot of the game, when he fired a torpedo on goal, only for Reina to save with his left shin!