With Liverpool FC ahead by a very comfortable 3-0 margin following the first leg in their UEFA Champion’s League quarterfinal match with PSV Eindhoven, the club took an opportunity to rest some of their stars in Wednesday’s second leg.

Their biggest star, however, didn’t have the afternoon off as striker Peter Crouch scored the lone goal in their second leg matchup with PSV Eindhoven.

Ahead comfortably in aggregate score, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez had hoped to give his best guys a break and avoid a devastating injury. That was the apparent thinking behind leaving local stars Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher out of the starting lineup. Liverpool failed to completely escape the horrors of the injury bug, though, as Craig Bellamy had to be carried from the field because of what appeared to be a knee injury.

The overall mood of the game was something of a joke. Liverpool fans cajoled opposing supporters with sarcastic rounds of premature celebratory cheers. The match itself seemed to follow suit, as both teams exchanged about sixty minutes of less than inspired play before Crouch’s goal. That’s when Liverpool winger Robbie Fowler managed to lift a cross into the penalty area, allowing Crouch to strike it past diving PSV goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.

One of Liverpool’s more unsung players was impressive in the winning effort. With the game turning into something of a keep away match, flanker man Jermaine Pennant was able to control much of the action. His strength on the ball and improved passing was noted by Liverpool manager Benitez and by the home-standing Liverpool fans.

Next up for Liverpool is their rival side from Chelsea. For the second time in three years, the two teams will face off in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champion’s League. The Reds will be looking to win a tough fought game and make their way into the Champion’s League final for only the seventh time in their history. Where the quarterfinal match lacked the usual edge of a Champion’s League game, the next contest with Chelsea should not lack for intensity.

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