[Video Highlights] Liverpool 1-0 Besiktas: Balotelli Penalty Gives Reds Advantage

Liverpool will take a narrow lead into next weeks Europa League last 32 second leg in Turkey after beating Besiktas 1-0 at Anfield this evening thanks to a late Mario Balotelli penalty.

Daniel Sturridge went closest for the hosts in the first half while Simon Mignolet saved well from Demba Ba at the other end to keep it goalless at the break.

Adam Lallana then missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring early in the second period as he fired over from close range with the goal at his mercy after the Besiktas keeper had spilled Henderson’s cross from the right.

However, with less than 10 minutes remaining Liverpool were gifted the perfect chance to grab a late winner as Jordon Ibe was fouled in the area. Balotelli grabbed the ball from Henderson – who was the designated penalty taker – to tuck away the resulting spot kick for 1-0.

The win sets things up nicely for the Merseysiders ahead of next weeks tricky return leg in Turkey. Watch highlights and the goal here: