TheDailySoccerNews.com

David Ngog’s 81st-minute winner spared Liverpool’s blushes as they began their Europa League campaign in disappointing fashion against Unirea Urzinceni.

The Romanian side’s defensive approach looked like earning them a draw in the first leg of their last-32 clash.

Liverpool dominated possession but were unable to break down the visitors and created few clear-cut chances.

But, with time running out, Daniel Pacheco knocked down Ryan Babel’s cross and Ngog headed in from close range.

Steven Gerrard went close to adding a second goal seconds later with a rasping shot that flew inches wide, but a second goal would have put an undeserved gloss on what became a difficult night for Rafael Benitez’s side. Read more…

The last ever UEFA Cup has gone to Shakhtar Donetsk, as Werder Bremen badly missed the banned Diego in a 2-1 Final defeat.

The tournament will change name and format from next season to become the Europa League, so this Final is Istanbul was particularly historic. It’s also to be noted neither of the two clubs had ever won it before and Shakhtar become the first Ukrainian side to lift the trophy.

Werder Bremen eliminated Milan and Udinese on their way to the Final, but were missing suspended star Diego, who is on the verge of completing a transfer to Juventus.

Shakhtar Donetsk had a very strong start as Luiz Adriano drilled wide from a promising position, but he made up for it by scoring the opener. It was a classic counter-attack that sent Luiz Adriano through the middle and he delicately chipped the on-rushing Tim Wiese. Read more…