Initial shock wakes up Liverpool

THE "house full" signs will no doubt be posted at Anfield in a fortnight, but only those Liverpool supporters blind to the talents of Sion will assemble expecting that old Europeans favourite, the second leg cake walk.

Given that Liverpool should have won a most engaging game by a far more generous margin, Sion hold the potential for surprise. Even so, Liverpool will be content. A place in the last eight of the only European competition they have not won now beckons.

Predictably, Liverpool's first competitive fixture in Switzerland for almost two decades was well received. There was a genuine sense of occasion in the Tourbillon Stadium at the foot of the Alps. Among those reduced to watching was Stan Collymore, an £8.5 million footballer with a largely uncertain future unravelling before his eyes.

It would now seem that a half fits - Fowler is a more attractive option than a fully fit Collymore. And even when Fowler was withdrawn in the second half, Roy Evans turned to Redknapp.

As expected, Sion proved to be more exuberant than expert. However, their willingness to chase enthusiastically any form of forward pass however overhit, however misdirected - did unsettle a Liverpool defence unaccustomed to such impudence.

Most of Liverpool's problems, and initially there were many, were borne in central midfield where Sylvestere and Lonfat harried Thomas and Barnes.

Indeed, after Berger had gone close inside the opening minute, Liverpool's over bearing self confidence threatened to dissipate in the face of some enterprising Sion football which was to peak in the 11th minute.

Since emerging as the latest, brightest star in his club's galaxy, Matteo has made precious few mistakes - but he came up with a real gem last night.

Having collected Quentin's punt forwards, Matteo had to do no more than roll the ball back to his goalkeeper, James, to transform defence into attack. But the back pass fell disastrously short, and once Christophe Bonvin had overcome his sense of surprise he had only to move clear of James' challenge before striking an unprotected target.

Of course, a shock to the system - can prove to be therapeutic, and once McManaman had taken it upon himself to provide the skeleton upon which a commendable recovery was to be draped, Liverpool's sense of purpose returned.

Unable to halt McManaman's raking runs down the left flank, Sion foolishly allowed their back line to slip further and further towards their own goal, a tactically naive response to danger which was to provide Liverpool with ample space in which to manoeuvre.

Even then, it was the 24th minute before they found a way through, Fowler tapping in his first European goal from close range after Berger's effort had come back off the chest of goalkeeper Lehmann.

Exactly an hour had past when Barnes rose unattended at the near post to turn in a Bjornebye corner with a deft header. It was a moment of precision lifted from the training ground and one which, in all probability, has decided the tie.