Barcelona suffered a Champions League first-leg home defeat to Liverpool last night. Goals from Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise saw off the Spanish side at the Camp Nou. Barca’s opening goal from midfielder Deco appeared to get the Spanish side into gear; however Bellamy’s goal just before half-time brought Liverpool back into the game. The game started lively, at a very frantic pace, with both teams attacking and defending very well. Deco’s goal came slightly against the run of play, when he reached a header from a Ronaldinho cross.

Liverpool were rewarded a free-kick just before half-time and it resulted in Bellamy’s header being spilt by Barca ‘keeper Victor Valdes into his own net. The second-half started brightly, with some substitutions made at the break by Barca coach Frank Rijkaard. However, Liverpool continued the pressure on the home side and they were rewarded when a good move between Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt resulted in the ball landing to Bellamy’s feet, who duly squared it to Riise to slot home. Previous media speculation regarding the latter two appeared to come to nothing as Bellamy and Riise combined well throughout the game.  Frank Rijkaard must now lift the Barcelona team’s spirits as they must now prepare for the second-leg away at Anfield.