Benitez at crossroads after Liverpool loss

PARIS: Rafa Benitez faces what could prove to be the definining moment of his Liverpool managerial reign against Manchester United on Sunday, possibly without an injured international trio of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson in the wake of Tuesday's 2-1 home defeat by Lyon.

The former European champions must win their final three group games to have a hope of advancing to the Champions League knockout stage following an injury-time winner from Cesar Delgado at Anfield.

Maxime Gonalons had earlier equalized a first-half goal from Yossi Benayoun and the dramatic winner inflicted a fourth successive defeat on Liverpool for the first time since 1987.