THERE may soon be new owners at Liverpool, but on last night's evidence those in regular possession of a first-team jersey shouldn't worry about a takeover just yet.

The seeming dawn of a brighter financial future was marked by the visit to a scene of past glories as Rafael Benitez's side returned to Istanbul, venue for their memorable European Cup win over AC Milan in May 2005.

Unlike that evening, however, there was to be no second-half comeback as Robbie Fowler's late goal merely gave the scoreline a somewhat flattering appearance after an under-strength Liverpool were deservedly beaten by Galatasaray.

The draw for the first knockout stage a week on Friday, with holders Barcelona, Inter Milan and Roma last night joining Real Madrid as possible opponents in the next round, has always been the more pressing European engagement for the Anfield side this month.

But this performance at the Ataturk outcome only served to underline why Benitez needs the potential cash injection from Dubai to help his team to compete among that exalted company, both at home and abroad.

Of course, with Liverpool having already secured top spot in the group and Galatasaray destined to finish bottom, last night's encounter amounted to nothing more than a dead rubber.

As a reward for their efforts in securing early qualification, Steven Gerrard, Sami Hyypia, Pepe Reina and Steve Finnan weren't asked to travel.

Indeed, only four of those who appeared in the European Cup final win over AC Milan were in last night's starting line-up - Jamie Carragher, John Arne Riise, Xabi Alonso and, in only his second appearance of the season, penalty shoot-out hero Jerzy Dudek.

It wasn't to be a happy Istanbul reunion for the goalkeeper, although the Pole could not be blamed for any of Galatasaray's three goals.

The absences gave a clutch of Liverpool's youngsters and fringe players a chance of Champions League football that Benitez implored them not to waste.