Liverpool, Atletico Madrid off to a winning start

Marseille: Steven Gerrard scored two goals on Tuesday for Liverpool to come from behind to win 2-1 at Marseille in Group D of the Champions League.

After Lorik Cana put Olympique Marseille ahead in the 23rd minute at Stade Velodrome, Gerrard equalised within three minutes with a dipping shot.

He then struck a penalty in the 32nd minute, with Marseille's defence at fault for both goals.

Marseille, who lost 4-0 at home to Liverpool in the Champions League group stage last December, struggled to create chances until late in the second half.

Striker Mamadou Niang headed wide in the 89th, and then shot straight at goalkeeper Pepe Reina in the closing seconds.

Liverpool were stopped from adding further goals after some fine stops by France goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, who later made an astonishing point-blank save to deny winger Ryan Babel.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez replaced Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres in the second half as they tired. Gerrard played only briefly for Liverpool in Saturday's 2-1 win over Manchester United, while Torres didn't play.

At Eindhoven, Sergio Aguero scored twice and Maniche added another goal to give Atletico Madrid a 3-0 win at PSV Einhoven in Group D of the Champions League.

Atletico, making their return to the Champions League after an 11-year absence, took the lead when Aguero sliced in Luis Garcia's cross in the ninth minute.

Substitute Florent Sinama Pongolle set up Aguero for the second in the 36th before Maniche converted Garcia's pass to make it 3-0 in the 54th.

Offseason signing Nordin Amrabat returned to the PSV attack along with Edison Mendez, who was rested in Saturday's league win against Sparta Rotterdam.

PSV, who are making their 12th consecutive Champions League appearance, were without right back Jan Kromkamp, who has a knee injury.

Former Ajax defender John Heitinga partnered Tomas Ujfalusi in central defence for Atletica after being passed fit just before kickoff. They were rarely troubled as PSV failed to produce any clear chances.

Atletico were without the suspended Mariano Pernia and Maxi Rodriguez and the injured Pablo Ibanez.