Champions League Qualifying - Arsenal & Liverpool - Aug 27
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Wednesday, 27 August 2008.UEFA Champions League Qualifying..
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..Arsenal v Twente Enschede, R3, L2,Channel 27 : 3:05 - "Live"...
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..Liverpool v Standard Liege , R3, L2, -
I hope Liverpool don't qualify
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Benitez vows to bring much improved display
Rafael Benitez has promised Liverpool's Champions League form will be 'much, much better' when they bid this week to reach the group stages for the fifth successive time
The Liverpool boss is acutely aware that his side's third qualifying round first leg display away to Standard Liege earlier in the month was unacceptable and they were fortunate to cling onto a 0-0 draw.
That display in Belgium at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne has put at risk the crucial flow of UEFA prize money Liverpool needs, more than ever, to maintain their position amongst English football's top four.
Now Benitez's side must produce their best display of the season so far to make sure that they reach the group stages.
Benitez said: 'Our display this time will be much, much better. Of that I am confident.' Anything less could create the biggest financial crisis in the club's recent history.
The American owners are facing huge costs to build a new stadium, and also to re-finance loans in the near future. And they have already transferred some of their debt to the club, which means that £30million a year has to be found to meet interest repayments.
In four years, Liverpool have claimed over £100million in prize money from UEFA, averaging more than £20million a season having reached two finals, a semi-final and the last 16 in that time.
Failure to even reach the group stages would cost Liverpool an immediate £12million and put in question all Benitez's plans.
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Liverpool???? Gave up on them liao.
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Kuyt saves Liverpool
Dirk Kuyt rescued Liverpool from a penalty shootout against Standard Liege for a place in the Champions League by forcing home an 118th minute winnner at Anfield. It was a victory the Premier League side scarcely deserved, but their place in the group stage is now assured.
Arsenal, meanwhile, cruised into the group stage with a 4-0 thumping of Steve McClaren's FC Twente at the Emirates Stadium.