Robbie Keane scored his first and Liverpool club captain grabbed his 100th in spectacular style as Liverpool easily dispatched PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.
After the humiliation of last years opening to this tournament the reds now sit joint top with Atletico Madrid with six points from 2 games - the best start of any British club.
Dirk Kuyt, who is developing the European scoring habit kicked the reds off on 4 minutes before the long-awaited Robbie Keane goal arrive, 686 minutes in to his Liverpool playing career.
In the second half, Steven Gerrard wasn't intent on being overshadowed when he scored the goal of the game with a rasping free kick in front of the Kop. His 100th Liverpool goal - and this time the referee couldn't deny him his moment.
Almost straight away the reds were caught napping when off PSV set down the other end to grab a late consolation goal - but that's all it ever was going to be.
Liverpool were a class apart from PSV - who look like they could be this group's whipping boys.
A settled side, Torres, Kuyt and Keane all with goals under their belts in recent games, and even one goal from a corner. There's something in the water. Liverpool travel to the Vicente Calderon in Madrid in three weeks time for what could be the clash which helps shape which side finishes this group on top.
Teams
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Skrtel, Carragher, Aurelio, Kuyt, Gerrard (Babel 81), Alonso, Riera (Benayoun 68), Torres, Keane (Leiva Lucas 75).
Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Dossena, Agger, Mascherano.
Goals: Kuyt 5, Keane 34, Gerrard 76.
PSV: Isaksson, Kromkamp, Simons, Marcellis, Salcido, Brechet (Pieters 46), Mendez (Dzsudzsak 76), Culina, Bakkal, Amrabat, Wuytens (Koevermans 60).
Subs Not Used: Cassio, Rodriguez, Zonneveld, Nijland.
Booked: Marcellis.
Goals: Koevermans 78.
Att: 41,097
Ref: Felix Brych (Germany).
Updated Player Stats
http://www.anfield-online.co.uk/stats/2009/lfc-stats.html
Congratulations to both robbie and steven espiacally Steven and well done robbie on getting ure first goal
2009, champions trophy will be in anfield
This is the time for The Reds to beat the big boys and get on the top premiership, salute…
i hope that liverpool can bring home to anfield some trophy especially the champions league and premiership ones
That was a perfect Birthday present from Gerrard
Great result. PSV were poor. What’s that – their first goal in five attempts against us – and they only scored it because we were all still celebrating with Stevie for his 100th.
Whenever Rafa’s in charge I feel I can say… ‘I’ve got a feeling about this year!’