Liverpool and PSV ended even in their Champions League Group C opener.

Liverpool had plenty of the ball early on but PSV had the better chances with Arouna Kone hitting the bar and Ibrahim Afellay testing keeper Jose Reina.

Kone missed a good chance in the second half with only Reina to beat, while Edison Mendez twice went close.

But in the closing stages Liverpool twice hit the woodwork through Dirk Kuyt's shot and Gerrard's half-volley.

Gerrard eventually came on to replace Craig Bellamy and he came desperately close to snatching the win for Liverpool with a wonderfully inventive effort.

The Liverpool midfielder turned quickly to hit a shot that beat PSV goalkeeper Gomes only for his effort to cannon off the bar.