Soccer-Bordeaux win lifts Liverpool before United showdown

BORDEAUX, France, Oct 19 (Reuters) Liverpool welcomed a confidence boost ahead of Sunday's clash with arch-rivals Manchester United when their tactical nous earned them a 1-0 win in Champions League clash at Bordeaux.

The result, secured by a second-half Peter Crouch header, kept Liverpool joint top of Group C with seven points and on track for the knockout round.

''We now have two games at home and we know that if we win them we will go through,'' the England striker told reporters after yesterday game at the Stade Chaban-Delmas.

''Last year we started slowly and this season, we also got off to a slow start, obviously. So let's hope it's the start of a good run.'' The Reds edged their opponents thanks to a game plan that could also prove efficient at Old Trafford when they meet the Premier League leaders. They trail United by eight points in the standings.

''We came here to defend well and to hit them on the break,'' said Crouch. ''The plan went well.'' The England striker's performance was praised by coach Rafael Benitez.

''When a striker misses a chance, the most important thing for him is to keep going until he scores,'' he said.

STEELY MIDFIELD Crouch missed the target from close range before the interval but never gave up and earned the five-times European champions a deserved victory when he headed home a Craig Bellamy free kick in the 58th minute.

Benitez will be able to count on him on Sunday and should also welcome back talismanic captain Steven Gerrard, who missed the Bordeaux game with a hamstring injury.

Liverpool's steely midfield was the key to their Champions League success, with Xavi Alonso running miles to fill the gaps and it could also prove essential against United.

''We knew they like to play between the lines and it was difficult to control that. It was very hard,'' Benitez said yesterday.

''Xavi Alonso, Mark Gonzalez, Luis Garcia, Bobo (Boudewijn Zenden) and then Momo (Mohamed Sissoko), who controls a lot of space, did a great job.'' Dutch midfielder Zenden said Liverpool should have enough time to be ready for Sunday's crunch.

''It was a tough game so it's good that the next game is on Sunday so we will have time to prepare for it,'' he said.

REUTERS DH SND1133