Liverpool beat Bordeaux 3-0 to ease into last 1

LIVERPOOL, England, Nov 1 (Reuters) Liverpool booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a 3-0 win over a Bordeaux side reduced to 10 men for the last 27 minutes when Fernando was sent off for a headbutt.

Luis Garcia arrived at the far post to angle a volley past Ulrich Rame in the 23rd minute to give the 2005 champions the lead.

Brazilian Fernando was dismissed in the 67th for butting John Arne Riise after the Liverpool defender did not return the ball to the French at a throw-in after a player was treated.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard took advantage of the space to side foot home the second goal four minutes later.

Garcia then broke free to score the third five minutes later to ensure Liverpool's progress from Group C.

On the night that director Noel White resigned following his criticism of Rafael Benitez's rotation policy, the Liverpool manager picked the same team for the first time in 100 matches.

White had anonymously voiced his frustration last Friday at the number of changes and high fees paid for under performing players by Benitez in an English tabloid.

SAME TEAM Benitez told reporters after the match: ''We have scored three goals, played a good game and are qualified.

''We know that to finish top of the group we need to win against PSV and if we do that then maybe we can rest some players and give other players experience in Europe.'' His decision to stick with the team which had beaten Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday paid off when Liverpool took the lead.

Dutchman Dirk Kuyt fed Gerrard on the right of the area to cross to the far post for Garcia to score with a volley that angled across the keeper.

Bordeaux lost striker Marouane Chamakh early in the match but nearly drew level just after half-time as they chased their first goal in this season's competition.

Florian Marange had a dipping volley tipped over the bar before Jean-Claude Darcheville wasted an excellent opening by shooting against Pepe Reina's legs when played in by Julien Faubert.

But Benitez's men were able to cruise to victory once Menegazzo was sent off.

Liverpool had chances to extend their lead with Momo Sissoko seeing a shot from 20-yard saved and Kuyt heading over the bar from close range.

REUTERS PM KP0906