Liverpool 3-1 to qualify after defeat to Zenit
LIVERPOOL’S hopes of progressing in this season’s Europa League were dealt a serious blow on Thursday night as Brendan Rodgers’ side lost 2-0 at Zenit St Petersburg.
Star striker Luis Suarez was guilty of missing several chances as goals from Hulk and Sergei Semak in the space of two minutes were enough to give the big-spending Russians a handy advantage for next week’s second leg at Anfield.
Hulk, who was signed from Porto for £32m in September, had been 7-1 to open the scoring with Ladbrokes.
Liverpool are 3-1 with bet365 to overcome the deficit and qualify for the round of 16, while Zenit are 2-9 shots to go through.
Zenit rewarded their supporters even though they drifted to 6-4 at kick-off from 13-10.
Chelsea made their first appearance in this season’s competition at Sparta Prague and those who backed Rafa Benitez’s men at 8-11 were celebrating after a goal from substitute Oscar eight minutes from time was enough to earn them a 1-0 victory.
The Blues are 5-1 favourites to win the competition with BetVictor.
Newcastle were held to a goalless draw by Ukrainian side Metalist at St James’ Park, but Tottenham were able to ensure they take an advantage into their second leg against Lyon after two Gareth Bale free-kicks gave them a 2-1 victory at White Hart Lane.
It looked as if a volley from Samuel Umtiti would be enough to give OL a point but Bale grabbed the winner in injury time. Tottenham are 11-1 with BetVictor to win the competition.
Newcastle and Liverpool have been pushed out to 40-1 after their disappointing results.
