Paris, Oct 16: Former European champions Liverpool, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Steaua Bucharest, put aside their embarrassment of missing out on the lucrative champions league this season by easing into the second round of the Uefa Cup.
French teenager Anthony Le Tallec yesterday marked his first Anfield start with a goal as Liverpool moved on with a 3-0 win and a 4-1 aggregate victory over Olimpija Ljubljana of Slovenia.
Steven Gerrard skippered Liverpool for the first time while Emile Heskey and Harry Kewell were also on target for the Merseysiders.
"Once we scored, we looked extremely comfortable and with the passing and the movement we played some very good stuff," said a delighted Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier.
Fellow English Premiership side Newcastle also sailed through with a one-goal victory against Dutchmen Nac Breda to give them a 6-0 advantage over the two legs.



Bobby Robson rested key players Alan Shearer and Gary Speed and his side were never in danger of losing their advantage before a precise shot from French midfielder Laurent Robert in the 87th minute put the tie beyond doubt.



"We came here to treat Breda with great respect, which I think we did," said Robson.



"I know I changed the team and left one or two players out, but we still put out a very good team."



A controversial penalty from Nicolas Anelka was enough to see Manchester City cruise past Lokeren in Belgium as Kevin Keegan's men built on 3-2 lead from the first leg.


Bureau Report