Benitez did change the formation five minutes before the interval but by then Fernando Torres had already gone off with a hamstring injury to be replaced by David N'gog. Keane, now restored to a central role, linked up well with the French striker to send him through just before the break but his shot went inches over the crossbar.
Javier Mascherano sent Keane clear after 72 minutes but instead of taking an extra touch to allow himself to run clear, the striker dawdled on the ball allowing Nigel Reo-Coker to catch him and put him off his shot.
Those were the only two chance the Reds had in the match and neither were on target. It was lucky Pepe Reina and his defence were as excellent as ever otherwise Liverpool could have come away with nothing.
