Liverpool scraped through their first game back in the Champions League after their last performance was in 2009. Liverpool dominated throughout the game but Ludogrets proved to be they were no pushovers despite the aura of complacency in the air around Anfield. Balotelli opened his Liverpool account with a brilliant finish only for Dani Abalo to embarrass Liverpool some thought but in the 92nd minute, on-loan right back Javier Manquillo was brought down in the box by Milan Borjan and captain Steven Gerrard saved Liverpool their blushes sealing the win from the penalty spot.

Match winner Steven Gerrard praised Manquillo after the game, speaking to Phil Reade from the Liverpool FC official website, he said, "That's the type of defender he is; he's on the front foot, he's aggressive, he's very attacking and he got his reward tonight by being brave and ambitious, Even just being down that end of the field - a lot of full-backs would have been staying back and trying to get a draw out of the game.

"But he chased down a lost ball and we got rewarded for it. I think he's done very well since he's come in - not just tonight."

Manquillo completed 74% of his passes and created three chances, all of which being in open play. He also won eight out of ten tackles. A superb all round performance from a full back which was replicated by Man of the Match Alberto Moreno.

The skipper also commented on Balotelli who opened his account in front of the famous Kop, "I think [the goal] will be the first of many," said the skipper. "I thought he worked his socks off tonight.

"Sometimes, when it's not going a striker's way, they sulk and they give up, but he was relentless tonight. He stayed in there and the one good chance that came his way, he took it. I thought it was a great finish."

Balotelli played the whole game, having seven chances on goal and completing 88% of passes also completing three out of four passes.

Rodgers accentuated that tangible spirit within his squad in the immediate aftermath of the final whistle, the boss said: "We showed great determination. At times, we had quality in our game and just in that final third of the field we couldn't make the final pass.

"But tonight was about perseverance, if I was to describe the team. It's an attribute you need to have, especially at the highest level. We just persisted - we kept going, working and pushing. The whole ground really appreciated that."

Man of the Match Alberto Manquillo commented on his performance, the captain, the goalscorer and the opposition, the left back said, “I don't have words for Stevie; he's a great footballer and he's a special person, not just here but at a world level. Steven Gerrard is a great player.

"That is what we've always been told and I am proud to be playing with him. I hope that remains the case for years to come."

"Mario is physically fearsome," said the full-back. "He can hold the ball up and help us when we are under pressure at the back, and can release the ball.

"That gives us something extra and then in the penalty box you saw the one chance he had, he took it. For opposition defences it is hard when you're up against Mario Balotelli.

"I am delighted for him and his goal. Now we have to keep it going."

It was a tough game, a complicated game," he said. "We were up against a very strong Ludogorets and we knew there was no guarantee of the three points and that we were going to have to do a good job.

"You could see we gave everything and did all we could to get the three points."

Liverpool sit second following Real Madrid’s demolition of FC Basel 5-1. Next up for Liverpool is Basel away from home on October 1st.

(Quotes from Liverpoolfc.tv)