Liverpool's champagne on ice

Phil Thompson, after unbridled success in his first week in charge, experienced the flip side last night. Though his side deserved more than a draw here, the caretaker must put the champagne, chilled to celebrate qualification to the second phase, back on ice.

Robbie Fowler and the home midfielder Petit might have won this close contest for their respective sides near the end. As it is, avoiding defeat against Borussia Dortmund next week will guarantee Liverpool's progress. Having waited 16 years to return to Europe's elite, another week of nail biting may not be too much to ask.

Overcoming Liverpool on their travels had been nigh on impossible of late. Only Leicester and Bolton have achieved it since the turn of the year and their unbeaten continental run now stretches back three years and 12 games. The sequence included successes in the UEFA Cup and European Super Cup, based on an their ability to soak up pressure, stifle opponents' attacking intent and then cut swathes on the counter.

That much was proved within the opening 60 seconds. Fowler's pass sent Emile Heskey, playing on the left of midfield, scurrying down the flank. His cross was nodded up by Fowler and back by Danny Murphy for Gary McAllister to see a volley tipped over by Ricardo.

But Boavista have already proved themselves a break from the norm this season.

Back when the Champions League was still a new and mysterious adventure on Merseyside, the Portuguese ran Liverpool ragged at Anfield. The 1-1 draw in early September had been an eye-opener for the Reds, embarrassed as they were by midfield hustle and bustle, allied to Brazilian pace up front.

Last night Nuno Frechaut and Duda were soon exchanging quick-fire passes on the right to prompt anxious glances among visiting defenders. Liverpool's consternation was heightened when Sami Hyypia, their calmest head at the back, limped to the touchline clutching his hamstring. The England under-21 international Stephen Wright replaced him, forcing Jamie Carragher into a central role.

The disruption should have spurred on the home side but instead their concentration lapsed. Fowler, looking sharp and strong following his hat-trick on Saturday, was tugged back by Paulo Turra on the edge of the area. The defender felt aggrieved but that was no excuse for the defensive shambles that ensued.

Murphy's free-kick was well struck but the Boavista wall parted obligingly and Ricardo, wrong-footed, moved left as the ball flew to his right. It was the midfielder's fifth goal in six outings, a haul that reflects his outstanding form.

Boavista's response was more frenetic than fearsome. Duda's 20-yard volley was caught by Jerzy Dudek, the substitute Martelinho air-kicked in front of goal, and Silva's clever pass to Duda bamboozled Wright but saw the Polish goalkeeper save.

The pair combined again six minutes before the interval with Duda ignoring a decoy run by Martelinho down the right to cross for Silva. The diminutive Brazilian outjumped Stephane Henchoz but his header rebounded back off the crossbar.

With the woodwork still trembling, the disgruntled home support swapped cheers for jeers. Against Liverpool's rugged midfield and drilled defence, they were faltering. Possession was lost to Vladimir Smicer whose pass to Fowler, played onside by Turra, sent the striker clear. He crossed for Heskey, without a goal since England's glut in Munich, to volley from point-blank range but Ricardo acrobatically turned the shot away.

Liverpool were soon ruing such profligacy. Confusion between John-Arne Riise and Carragher earned Boavista a corner which Erwin Sanchez swung to the far post.

Silva, who scored at Anfield earlier in the competition, leapt highest to head into the top corner.

Parity was harsh on the visitors but their defenders were momentarily rattled, drained of all composure. Martelinho, unmarked at the back post, should have done better from Sanchez's pass but Dudek claimed and Liverpool survived.

BOAVISTA: Ricardo, Rui Oscar (Martelinho 26), Turra, Pedro Emanuel, Erivan, Frechaut, Petit, Goulart (Marcio Santos 57), Sanchez, Duda (Bosingwa 57), Silva. Subs Not Used: William, Pedrosa, Loja, Glauber. Goals: Silva 60.

LIVERPOOL: Dudek, Carragher, Henchoz, Hyypia (Wright 6), Riise, Murphy, McAllister (Berger 76), Hamann, Smicer, Fowler, Heskey. Subs Not Used: Kirkland, Redknapp, Biscan, Partridge, Litmanen. Booked: Hamann. Goals: Murphy 17.

Referee: Karl-Erik Nilsson (Sweden).