RAFA BENITEZ expected to see a few old buddies back in the city where he is viewed as such a hero.

But the Anfield boss did not bank on a couple of Liverpool’s old tormentors returning to wreck the homecoming he had been dreaming of for so long. But that is exactly what happened as Diego Forlan and Simao — players who are not among the list of Anfield’s most popular — combined to spoil the party for Madrid-born Benitez. Six years ago, in his Manchester United days, Forlan left Jerzy Dudek with a face redder than the Kop when he made the keeper look a clown in one Merseyside visit.

And Portugeezer Simao ended Red hopes of a Champions League double 12 months after their incredible 2005 triumph, with a stunning last-16 goal in a Benfica shirt. Last night the two of them were at it again — just as Liverpool were gearing up to celebrate yet another glorious Euro triumph.

Fair enough, a point at one of Europe’s most inhospitable venues is hardly a nightmare. But when you have been in control for so long — as Rafa’s stars were in Madrid — it certainly feels like it. Just seven minutes were left of a game Liverpool should have long put to bed, when the foot they had in the knockout rounds was whipped away. Jamie Carragher was at fault in misjudging little more than a hopeful punt up field, and Forlan pounced to feed Simao. The playmaker’s cross-shot left keeper Pepe Reina with no chance. In fact if it had not been for an outstanding save from Reina, turning another Simao drive against a post, plus an horrendous refereeing clanger, it could have been worse. Only Danish official Klaus Bo Larsen and his linesman can know why they ruled out a Maniche strike for offside when Carragher was playing him on — by at least a yard.But defeat really would have been as unjust as it would have been unpalatable for the five time winners, who left Spain kicking themselves.

Midfielder Yossi Benayoun also had a goal inexplicably disallowed for offside four minutes into the second half. As it was, all they had to show for the trip was Robbie Keane’s 13th-minute opener. And fully deserved it was too, after Liverpool ruthlessly cut the Spaniards to shreds in the opening stages. Things have been going so well for them this season even co-owner George Gillett, a rare viewer, flew in to watch.

And he was quickly on his feet with the other 3,000 travelling fans as Xabi Alonso robbed former Red Florent Sinama-Pongolle and picked out Steven Gerrard. The Reds skipper sliced the backline apart with a marvellous through ball for Keane and the Irishman slid it under keeper Leo Franco. Keane was a hero then but he quickly turned villain. Gerrard whipped in a cross and the Irishman tried a fancy flick and the chance was lost.

The home fans had the eyes of UEFA on them after the unsavoury antics against Marseille and subsequent deferred two-game home Euro ban. Last night they were content to vent their fury on their own powder-puff outfit — up to their late, late leveller at least — and referee Bo Larsen. Mind you, Liverpool had cause to slam the official after he denied them a stonewall penalty on 37 minutes.

Keane poked through for Albert Riera, he stepped past Antonio Lopez and was about to pull the trigger when the left-back sent him tumbling. Penalty. No question about it — to everyone but the official, that is, who promptly booked Riera for diving.

But the ref was consistent. Maniche went down in the box like he had been shot after the faintest of touches from Arbeloa and earned himself a similar yellow card. There was no more than the hint of contact but the Portuguese midfielder threw a dramatic roll that would not have been out of place in the Olympic floor exercises. Reina then turned Simao’s drive against a post before his late heartbreaker. But no-one in their right mind expects this to be anything more than a minor blip for Benitez’s men en route to the last 16.

And after the way they stomped off after blowing the chance to make it a perfect three from three in Group D, leave them out of your list of likely winners at your peril.

*taken from The Sun newspaper*