Juventus in Europa box seat, Liverpool crash 1-0 at Lille

(China Daily/Agencies)
Updated: 2010-03-13 08:07

Juventus' David Trezeguet celebrates after scoring a third goal against Fulham during their Europa League last-16 first leg match at the Olympic stadium in Turin on Thursday. Juventus won 3-1. Alessandro Garofalo / REUTERS

PARIS - Juventus assumed command of their Europa League last-16 tie against Fulham with a 3-1 first-leg win on Thursday, after beleaguered English giants Liverpool were beaten at Lille.

Juve took an early lead in Turin when center-back Nicola Legrottaglie headed home from a ninth-minute corner before rightback Jonathan Zebina extended their advantage with a thunderous 25-yard effort.

Dickson Etuhu's deflected shot reduced the arrears but former France international David Trezeguet restored the home side's two-goal cushion by volleying home in first-half injury time after his shot came back off the post.

Valencia were held to a 1-1 draw at home to last season's runners-up Werder Bremen, who took a 24th-minute lead via a Torsten Frings penalty.

Lille followed compatriots Lyon's example, after Claude Puel's side stunned Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, by consigning Liverpool to a 1-0 defeat at the Stadium Lille-Metropole.

Liverpool, a disappointing sixth in the Premier League after losing 1-0 to Wigan on Monday, were short of fluency on an uneven playing surface and sank to defeat when Eden Hazard's 84th-minute freekick drifted straight in from wide on the left-hand flank.

The Belgian youngster had been a constant torment with his purposeful running and his goal, albeit fortuitous, puts his side in the driving seat before the return match at Anfield on March 18.

"I have confidence we can beat anyone on a good day at Anfield," said Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez.

"I would be worried if the players hadn't worked as hard as they have. The fans will play a part, they will push and will be behind the team."

Benitez's Lille counterpart, Rudi Garcia, said his team still had work to do.

"Everyone thought we were out when the draw was made. Now, although nothing has been decided, it's a good result for us," he said.

"We have to score over there. The first leg should give us confidence and show us that we're capable of competing with such a big team."