Unirea undone by Liverpool pedigree

Javier Mascherano, Ryan Babel and Steven Gerrard ensured the five-time European champions' progress despite an early scare.

Liverpool FC came from behind to beat FC Unirea Urziceni 3-1 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate to book a place in the UEFA Europa League round of 16.

Though Rafael Benítez's charges did ultimately ensure the natural order, they did so the hard way. The first-leg advantage handed to them by David Ngog's late strike at Anfield was quickly wiped out by Bruno Fernandes, but Javier Mascherano's first goal of the season restored parity in Romania. Ryan Babel and Steven Gerrard then gave the Reds a three-goal cushion that proved enough for the Premier League side to cruise through to a last-16 date with LOSC Lille Métropole or Fenerbahçe SK next month.

Unirea were not cowed by their visitors' European pedigree, deservedly going in front inside 20 minutes. Liverpool's defence were caught flat-footed by Răzvan Pădureţu's corner and Bruno Fernandes climbed highest to ignite the tie. Gerrard had already chanced his arm from range, to no avail, by the time Mascherano showed his captain how to do it, rifling in from 20 metres to draw the Reds level.

Unirea were unbowed, however, Padureţu's artistry and set-piece delivery continuing to cause trouble. Gerrard, though, came to the fore five minutes before half-time, delivering a free-kick that found its way to Babel, who controlled with aplomb, swivelled and finished.

Another Gerrard set piece prompted Unirea goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis into action soon after the break, but it was from open play that the England midfielder put the tie to bed once and for all. Yossi Benayoun did the legwork, snaking his way through the Unirea defence before cleverly feeding his midfield colleague, whose finish spun in via Arlauskis' legs.

Marius Ioan Bilaşco was somehow denied by Pepe Reina late on but the damage had long since been done.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.