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From Olympiacos’ point of view the match served as an opportunity to inflict some sort of revenge on a Liverpool side which had knocked them so spectacularly out of the Champions League last season.
The match against the Hellenic side also had greater significance as it was a chance for Liverpool fans to see the 6ft 7” Peter Crouch for the first time in the sacred red shirt.
Benitez’ team selection saw the Spanish coach give Crouch his debut, partnering quick silver striker Djibril Cisse up front while he also plumped to give another opportunity for youngsters Scott Carson, Carl Medjani and Darren Potter as they looked to make strong claims for regular first team action for the coming season. Great news as Benitez continues to give youth the chance to flourish and develop.
Captain marvel Steven Gerrard started, although Jamie Carragher and Xabi Alonso were on the bench, the rest of the starting eleven comprised of Josemi, the Spaniard keen to show what he could do at right back in the absence of the ill Steve Finnan, Didi Hamman, John Arnie Riise at left back, Sami Hyypia and Luis Garcia.
Despite a delayed kick-off because Olympiacos had been delayed during transit to the stadium, Liverpool started brightly and looked calm early on.
It took three minutes for Peter Crouch to show how dangerous he was when a ball was put low into the box which Crouch was yards from getting to before the opposing keeper sprawled himself over it, safely gathering.
Minutes later and Crouch again was involved as he performed a neat snap shot from 18 yards seeing his effort flash a few feet wide form the far post.
Olymiacos were more than up for this game however and soon began putting pressure on young Scott Carson, most notable of which, a looping header as Carson failed to gather in the air which just went wide.
The diminutive Garcia than missed a guilt-edged chance when he decided to shoot from the edge of the box as the keeper advanced with a tame effort.
Then, good work from Crouch saw him get into the box and lay the ball off to Luis Garcia who amended for his miss moments earlier drilling a low effort into the net through a crowded box.
Brazilian legend Rivaldo equalised in the 40th minute with a good drive from the edge of the area with Liverpool defenders failing to close him down.
An entertaining first half finished with the Greek champions looking slightly the more menacing. Changes for Liverpool were expected for the second half. And so it proved.
Rafa made seven changes at half time, on came Whitbread, Sissosko, Alonso, Morientes, Warnock, Baros and Zenden.
5 minutes into the new half and a fresher-looking Liverpool took the lead once again with great work from Baros down the right as he then squared to the marauding Morientes who picked a spot and let fly from 12 yards out.
Minutes later a quick interchange with Zenden allowed Warnock to advance down the left flank before delivering an accurate cross into the box where Baros fell to his knees to head the ball into the net.
Liverpool further strengthened their grip on the match with a second goal from Milan Baros as the reds begin to cast their minds on getting a fifth.
However, Olympiacos are the next to score as they pull themselves back into the game after a converting a penalty from a clumsy Zak Whitbread challenge.
Despite the Greeks getting another to make it 4-3 to Liverpool they’re unable to draw level in match which has served as a good work-out for the Reds as the start of the domestic campaign approaches.
Warnock was solid and enterprising at left back, and Baros and Morientes looked sharp. Indeed Liverpool’s growing attacking prowess which has seen them plunder 17 goals so far this pre season (albeit against teams yet to achieve match fitness) bodes well for the coming campaign.
Peter Crouch had a solid if unspectacular debut, but signs of what he is all about were there and there’s every chance he will be a success for the Reds.
Due to the swapping of personnel at the back, and the lack of experience, an apparent vulnerability in defence should not be of real concern at this stage, however it is clear that Liverpool will need to get hold of another established centre back to compete with Hyypia, Carragher and Whitbread.
Liverpool role on..
Attention now turns to the 2nd CL qualification round against FBK Kaunas this coming Tuesday.