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Reds settle for Atletico draw after letting lead slip

22/10/2008

Liverpool dominated the first half of their Champions League encounter with Atletico Madrid but had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Robbie Keane gave them a deserved lead, although he looked to be offside in the build up to the goal, but Simao Sabrosa equalised with seven minutes to go.

Despite being without talismanic striker, and former Atletico player, Fernando Torres the Reds looked the most dangerous side in the first half.

Keane made the most of their first meaningful chance after 14 minutes. Steven Gerrard played a superb through-ball that split the Atletico defence.

The Irishman's run looked to have been a little early but the linesman's flag stayed down and Keane slotted the ball past Leo Franco.

Gerrard then created another glorious opportunity for Keane but this time the striker failed to make contact with the ball as it flashed across the six yard box.

Rafael Benitez's men maintained their excellent form at the start of the second half and thought they had doubled their lead only for Yossi Benayoun's strike to be ruled out for offside.

That seemed to awaken Atletico and they enjoyed the bulk of the chances for the rest of the match.

Ten minutes into the second period Portuguese international Maniche thought he had equalised, however, the busy linesmen again disallowed the goal. Replays suggested the midfielder had been hard done by and Liverpool were lucky to escape.

Moments later the Reds were thankful to goalkeeper Pepe Reina for maintaining their advantage as he produced a full-length dive to tip Simao's shot onto the post.

Steven Gerrard then left the field with a possible leg injury to be replaced by Ryan Babel.

Liverpool were coming under increasing pressure so it was no surprise when Simao finally managed to get the equaliser. Former Manchester United forward Diego Forlan was the provider, squaring the ball to Simao before he hammered it past Reina.

The Reds were hanging on in the final minutes of the game and Miguel went close to winning it for Atletico but Reina denied him with another flying save.

Despite the draw Liverpool remain top of Group D, level on points with Madrid after three games.