Owen equals Rush's record in Europe

Michael Owen scored the critical opening goal in Liverpool's 2-0 UEFA Cup victory over Auxerre to equal Ian Rush's club record of 20 goals in Europe.

Owen ran on to a through ball from Danny Murphy midway through the second half and, running straight at the keeper, touched the ball into the net for his 20th European goal in 41 matches.

Welshman Rush was Liverpool's top targetman during their glory years in the late 70's and early 80's when they won three European Cups but now Owen has matched his goal-scoring exploits.

A modest Owen said afterwards when questioned about his record-breaking performance: "It's just satisfying to get into the next round."

Liverpool will now face Celtic in a Battle of Britain quarter-final fixture after the Scots got past VfB Stuttgart despite losing 3-2 in Germany.

Murphy scored a 30-year second goal thanks to a spectacular gaffe by Auxerre keeper Fabien Cool who failed to save a shot aimed straight at him.

Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier picked arguably his strongest side in a bid to secure the Anfield side's place in the last eight.

Gerrard and Murphy were paired in central midfield with El Hadji Diouf down the right and John Arne Riise on the left.

It meant Dietmar Hamann had to settle for a place on the bench, although Stephane Henchoz returned to central defence.

Auxerre, as expected, had French international sensation Djibril Cisse back to lead the attack after suspension, the only change from Guy Roux's side from the first leg with Benjamin Mwaruwari dropping to the bench.

Liverpool looked nervous and uncertain as they defended their slim, 1-0 lead from the first leg in France.

On 34 minutes, Riise laid the ball back to Murphy, whose instant flick with the outside of the boot set up Emile Heskey for an eight-yard header that flew just over the crossbar.

But one flash of class from Cisse was always likely to change the situation, and it almost came on 38 minutes when he emerged on the left of the box to unleash a low drive that just missed the far post.

In the second half, Liverpool finally got the goal they desperately needed but had barely looked like achieving.

Owen took a Murphy pass, fractionally onside, strode on and lifted the ball gently past Cool and into the bottom corner.

The tie was ended as a contest in the 73rd minute when Gerrard fed Murphy some 30 yards out and the tough midfielder's well-struck drive was too hot for Cool to handle.

Houllier could now start thinking about Sunday and Manchester United in the League Cup final and Henchoz was taken off to allow Igor Biscan into defence.

Owen almost added another just before the end when he hurled himself at Vladimir Smicer's cross and lifted his shot over the bar.