Liverpool reached the Champions League group stages after nervously edging past Israeli side Maccabi Haifa.

Striker Peter Crouch put Liverpool ahead early in the second half when he headed home Jermaine Pennant's cross.

But Roberto Colautti quickly revived Haifa's hopes in Kiev when he tapped home after goalkeeper Jose Reina was unable to hold Xavier Anderson's shot.

Colautti's goal instilled a more adventurous approach from Haifa and Alain Masudi's volley and Gustavo Boccoli's strong run gave Liverpool a couple more unsettling moments.

With nine minutes to go Reina made a superb one-handed stop to tip away Colautti's dipping effort to ensure Liverpool will be in Thursday's Champions League draw.