LFC Refuses Toulouse

Liverpool have advanced to the group stage of the Champions League on the strength of today's 4-0 thrashing of French side Toulouse at Anfield. The win put Liverpool into the group stage thanks to the 5-0 aggregate score over the two legs. The Reds dominated on their home pitch today and got goals from Peter Crouch and Sami Hyypia to go along with a late brace from Dirk Kuyt. Little-used Yossi Benayoun also had a strong match for the Reds.

The lasting memory of this match will not be the score on the field, but the touching tribute Liverpool gave to Rhys Jones, the 11 year-old Everton fan who was murdered last week on his way home from practice. The Everton anthem (and Rhys Jones favorite) Z-Cars was played as the Reds took the pitch and the Liverpool players all wore black armbands in respect for the boy and his family, who were in attendance. It was an extremely touching gesture that was not lost on the Jones family and will not soon be forgotten by all on Merseyside as the search for Rhys' killer continues. Once again, there is class and then there is class. Rest in peace Rhys Jones, you'll never walk alone.