8th August Liverpool 1-0 Lazio Voronin Cracker

The Kop left Rafael Benitez in no doubt about what they thought of speculation that Xabi Alonso could be sold to fund a move for Gareth Barry during the 1-0 friendly win over Italian side Lazio. One of the heroes of Istanbul three years ago, Alonso was treated to a display of affection and support that the Reds manager could not have failed to understand. Songs outlining what the Anfield faithful felt about a deal for Aston Villa midfielder Barry were frankly unrepeatable - but the message was clear. Liverpool fans chanted Alonso's name constantly during the game against a competitive Italian side, and the Spaniard responded with a fine all-action display of passing and running. There was no Steven Gerrard but this was as strong a side as Benitez could put out. The captain will probably not make Wednesday's Champions League qualifier at Standard Liege due to a thigh problem, but it appears the Anfield boss settled on something similar to the side that will take the field in Belgium. Liverpool were crisp and assertive, with Alonso pulling the strings in front of a 43,062 crowd. They made it eight pre-season games unbeaten, the winner coming in injury-time when Andriy Voronin volleyed home from Jay Spearing's pass., merseybeat, Sports video

LiveVideo | August 9, 2008

Tags:. .heroes. .passing. .pass. .jay. .front