The hundredth victory in the European Cup, now ramatazzed as the Champions League has been recorded yesterday at Anfield. It was devoid of the usual drama that is associated with European nights at this old sanctuary of football through terraced streets. There was only one goal recorded, clusters of empty seats were evident, and the opponents on the occasion were known and fearful as much as a random puppy at a vet’s waiting room.

Anfield though recognises that a match of football can only take place when there are Liverpool and an opponent. And while there was no fear, respect was duly granted to the Hungarians Debreceni.

For the first time since UEFA or even better the very rich clubs of Europe decided to introduce group stages in the early rounds of the Champions League, a Hungarian side made it to this stage. Champions of the likes of Hungary, Yugoslavia and the Czech Republic made way to runners-up, third placed and fourth-placed sides from bigger and economically stronger leagues in Europe. UEFA trumpets loudly the whole anthem of ‘Fair Play’ but it lacks the knowledge of one single note of ‘Fair Trade’. Michel Platini seems to be changing the tunes and his legislation so far is giving champions of their own countries a better chance to experience the top echelons of European football and dip their fingers in the honey pot something like the Champions League can offer. It is also a stark reminder that football is what it is thanks to its simplicity and the global appeal that it holds through the four corners of the world rather than being a sport practised by a very select number of countries that probably have their colonizers as their common ground. And the Champions League should be a platform for a more extensive geographical and economic standings. Football is inclusive not exclusive.

And Debreceni offered a very good opposition. They defended as you would expect but they never parked the proverbial bus in front of the goal. I was half expecting a 4-0 drubbing like Burnley got, but Debreceni proved to be sterner while at the same time more creative. Dirk Kuyt proved that for all the time he spent working his legs off on the right flank, his striking instincts have not deserted him as for the second time in a couple of days he followed a team-mate’s shot, this time Torres and finished well. More than a case of finishing it was more a case of being at the right place at the right time like all good strikers do.

All the great European times started against FK Rejkjavik. Yesterday was a reminder of all that. Away from big names and the big money lie romanticism. It is something the likes of Hicks and Gillett will never fathom.