Liverpool produced a narrow 1-0 victory over Besiktas in the Europa League Round of 32 first leg on Thursday night.
The Reds overcame a compact and disciplined Besiktas outfit at Anfield courtesy of a late penalty from Mario Balotelli which gives them a slight advantage going into the trip to Istanbul next week.
Balotelli backed up his late match-winning goal against Tottenham last week by coming off the bench and wrestling the ball from Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson to convert from 12 yards in the 85th minute.
The spot-kick came about when Jordon Ibe, in his European debut, raced past some Besiktas defenders before being up-ended by Ramon Marotta in the area in what was a bright moment for the Merseyside club who will now prepare to face fourth-placed Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday.
Liverpool's domestic rivals Tottenham experienced a differing result in their clash with Italian side Fiorentina.
Roberto Soldado opened the scoring at White Hart Lane in the sixth minute with a stunning volley but that effort was cancelled out when he gave away a needless free-kick which led to Fiorentina's 36th-minute equaliser through Jose Maria Basanta.
The away goal could prove vital for Vincenzo Montella's Viola outfit in next week's return bout at the Stadio Artemi Franchi as Mauricio Pochettino's Spurs look to progress to the Round of 16 amidst a heavy fixture schedule which includes the Capital One Cup final against Chelsea in early March.
2014/15 UEFA Europa League - Round of 32
Liverpool (ENG): 1 (Mario Balotelli (p) 85') Besiktas (TUR): 0 Anfield, Liverpool, England
Tottenham (ENG): 1 (Roberto Soldado 6') Fiorentina (ITA): 1 (Jose Maria Basanta 36') White Hart Lane, London, England
