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Europe's Most Expensive Penalty Taker sits on the Bench as Liverpool Lose via the spot

By El-Amisty Nobo ([email protected])
Opinion Europe's Most Expensive Penalty Taker sits on the Bench as Liverpool Lose via the spot
FEB 27, 2015 LISTEN

Italian born Ghanaian Mario Balotelli undoubtedly the most expensive penalty taker in Europe sat on the bench to watch his Liverpool side lost 4-5 on penalties to Besiktas in their second leg of the Europa League on Thursday.

The Reds won their last Champions League in 2005 against AC Milan on penalties at the same stadium (Ataturk) in Istanbul, Turkey but Brendan Rodger's side could not emulate that feet as substitute Dejan Lovren missed his kick.

The Turkish giant had their breakthrough in the 72nd courtesy substitute Tolgay Arslan to level the tie at 1-1 on aggregate. The tie had to be settled on penalties as both sides failed to score in the extra time.

However, Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Emre Can, and captain Joe Allen all converted their kicks only for Lovren to leave the party to Besiktas to enjoy all night long.

Brendan Rodgers could partially be blamed for sitting out Mario Balotelli at the time that his services was needed most to give Liverpool something to smile about.

Besiktas have qualified to the last 16 phase whilst the journey ends for the Reds.

www.sports24gh.com

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