3. Yossi Benayoun vs Real Madrid; February 2009
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVutGQK-IpE Like Luis Garcia, an argument could be made against his inclusion in this list. The former Israeli international was certainly a talented player, and despite what his stats prior to his Anfield move what let you believe, he had an eye for goal. With 29 goals from 134 appearances, he was certainly a handy player for The Reds, and to date, remains the only player to have bagged trebles in the FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League. However, while he played the best football of his career at Anfield, he still drifted in and out of games without stamping his authority on them. Often restricted to cameo appearances from the bench, Benayoun was never a regular starter in the team, which make his goal-scoring feats even more impressive. By his own admission, the 'favourite goal' of his career arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of Liverpool's Champions League last 16 clash with Real Madrid. With Steven Gerrard sidelined, a blunted Reds side had gone to Madrid to take on a starting XI boasting the likes of Sergio Ramos, Arjen Robben and Raul. To their credit, they looked to have been leaving with the desired goalless draw as the game edged into the last ten minutes, when they won a free-kick out wide. Stooping low, he glanced the ball past a hapless Iker Casillas to give Liverpool a priceless away victory, and set them up for the famous demolition of Madrid in the second leg.
''To score in the Champions League was special. It was one of the favourite goals of my career. I am really pleased to score at the Bernabeu but the most important thing was to get the victory.'' - Yossi Benayoun, April 2009.