TNS beaten by Gerrard hat-trick

Liverpool began their defence of the Champions League trophy with a 3-0 win against Wales' Total Network Solutions.

Following last week's contract saga, skipper Steven Gerrard seemed to have been forgiven by fans as he scored a hat-trick for his team.

The England mid-fielder slotted home his first goal after eight minutes, followed by another in the 21st minute.

Gerrard completed the treble with a low 20-yard strike after 89 minutes for a comfortable Liverpool victory over TNS.

Click here to see pictures of the victory parade

Even though Liverpool are the Champions League title holders, they still have to play in the first round because they didn't finish high enough in the Premiership last season.

They have five more qualifying rounds to go before they reach the group stages of the competition.

'Proud'

After the match Gerrard insisted he did not have a point to prove to fans.

During contract negotiations Gerrard had said he wanted to leave the club, before finally signing for another four years.

"I didn't want to get into that situation, I wanted to sign a contract after the cup final," said Gerrard.

"But now that trouble is behind me and the fans reacted well."

He added: "I am pleased about that and I am proud to carry on as captain of Liverpool Football Club.