Tuesday, 16th September, 2014
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has saluted Mario Balotelli for a "world-class finish" in his side's nervy Champions League win over Ludogorets Razgrad.
The Reds had been expected to overpower the Bulgarians at Anfield, but found themselves being given as good as they got, with Ludogorets hitting the post in the second half.
Liverpool eventually scored with Balotelli found space inside the box and steered the ball home. But Liverpool's lead did not last long as the Bulgarians broke with pace and equalised.
Rodgers' men needed a controversial penalty in injury time, tucked home by Steven Gerrard to claim a 2-1 win.
And Rodgers was quick to pay tribute to Balotelli for his goal in front of the Kop.
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"It was a great night for everyone at the club after five years. To get the result was excellent, they showed great character to keep going. It was a penalty, you could see it in their reaction", he told ITV.
"It was a wonderful finish from Mario Balotelli. We told him to get in the penalty area more often, it was a world-class finish."
And Rodgers insists he understands the nervy nature of the match, with Liverpool not yet operating at the level that he desires.
"We had signs of anxiety, we are not at the level we were at last ear yet, that will come with time."
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