Liverpool 1 Steaua Bucharest 0 (Agg 2-1)
Liverpool suffered a nervy night before beating Steaua Bucharest 1-0 to squeeze through 2-1 on aggregate. Australian forward Harry Kewell struck with a header in the 47th minute, getting on the end of a pinpoint cross from England midfielder Steven Gerrard.
Striker Michael Owen wasted a glorious chance to finish off Steaua when he steered a shot wide after sprinting clear midway through the second half.
The Romanian side created few chances, though they did cause a few jitters in the closing stages as Liverpool hung on for a morale-boosting victory.
Man of the match Steven Gerrard hoped Liverpool's progression into the third round would provide a platform from which the side could build their whole season around.
"I think any win in is very important but as the next round doesn't come till February we can forget about the UEFA Cup for now and concentrate on the league," he said.
"They are very good side, are comfortable on the ball and very good technically, but we have kept another clean sheet, which is very important, and hopefully we can build on this and get another win on Sunday (against Birmingham in the Premier League)."
Manager Gerard Houllier agreed with the views of his captain.
"It was important to keep the run in Europe because it is always exciting," he said. "We have beaten a good team. They could pass a ball well. I don't think that they had a lot of chances but on the whole it is a deserved victory."
The game saw Germany international Dietmar Hamann start for the first time since May and complete 90 minutes and although England striker Michael Owen came off shortly before full-time, Houllier said there was no cause for concern.
"Michael felt his calf was a bit tight but I think - I hope - it is nothing much," he added. "It was a first game for Didi since early May so it was good to see him back."