Late agony as Liverpool draw in Lyon 

Source: ReutersOlympique Lyon's Jean Makoun challenges Liverpool's Fernando Torres

Liverpool have drawn in Lyon after two dramatic late goals gave Rafa Benitez's side a 1-1 draw in France

Liverpool thought they had the win the bag after substitute Ryan Babel smashed in a 25-yard screamer in the 83rd to give his side hopes of Champions League qualification.

But that was cruelly taken away from the visitors in the 90th minute as Lyon's Lisandro Lopez grabbed the equaliser for the home side.

But although the result may have dire consequences for the Reds, after six losses in seven games, under-fire boss Rafa Benitez can be happy with his sides display.

Missing key players, like the inspirational Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Albert Riera and having a clearly unfit Fernando Torres on the pitch saw players like Dirk Kuyt and Andri Voronin needing to step up to the mark.

But while Kuyt and Benayoun battled to the end, it was Voronin who was responsible for the most glaring miss, once again leaving question marks hanging over Benitez's squad selections.

Lucas though, so often the venting object of Liverpool fan's frustrations, also had a great chance to put his side 1-0 up but Lyon keeper Lloris saved to his left as the Brazilian tried to curl as shot around him. 

Kuyt then latched onto the ball with an overhead kick as Liverpool pushed forward.

But the night was not to be Liverpool's as Benitez's side must now win their remaining two matches and hope that Lyon lose to Fiorentina to have any hope of qualification.

The draw meanwhile see's Lyon through to the knock-out stages of the tournament for the seventh time in a row.

Lyon top Group E with 10 points from four matches followed by Fiorentina (9), Liverpool (4) and Debrecen (0).

But although qualification is now out of Liverpool's hands, Benitez remains optimistic

"You have to be really disappointed because it was a great opportunity tonight," the Spaniard said in his post match interview  "We had our chances, again a late goal against Lyon (makes) a massive difference. 

"It is difficult but not impossible. We have to win our next game (Debrecen on Nov. 24) and see what happens between Fiorentina and Lyon the same night. We have done it in the past."