(Video) Liverpool 2-1 Ludogorets: Steven Gerrard’s Late Penalty Saves The Reds Against Stubborn Bulgarian Minnows

All the goals and debate from Liverpool vs Ludogorets…

Steven Gerrard netted a stoppage time penalty to earn Liverpool a hard-earned three points on their return to Champions League football against Bulgarian champions Ludogorets.

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In a cagey match, Liverpool were lucky not to go behind when the visitors struck the post:

Mario Balotelli took advantage of a defensive slip to slot home his first goal for the club, which looked likely to be the winner:

Only for a defensive lapse from Liverpool to be taken advantage of. Dani Abalo with the goal for the visitors:

But Steven Gerrard, as he so often has on European nights, came to his team’s rescue – slotting home this late penalty:

How crucial will this result prove to be to Liverpool? Would a draw and the resulting loss in momentum, as well as the damage to morale, have had a catastrophic effect on the Reds? And will this be the start of something special for £16m Italian striker Mario Balotelli?