Steven Gerrard scored in the 65th minute Wednesday to lift Liverpool to a 2-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven, guaranteeing the five-time European champions will finish first in Group C.

Peter Crouch added the second goal in the 89th minute on a header.

Liverpool and PSV had already clinched spots in the second round, but finishing first _ in theory _ gives Liverpool an easier draw in the next round. Liverpool has 13 points and PSV 10.

It was Gerrard's second goal of the season in all games _ he had 23 last season. The England international took a through ball from Dirk Kuyt and scored off a shot from 18 meters (yards).

Liverpool dominated the match at Anfield, but picked up several key injuries.

Midfielder Xabi Alonso came off in the 21st minute with a hip injury following a hard tackle. He was replaced by Boudewijn Zenden, a former PSV player.

Winger Mark Gonzalez also injured a hamstring muscle and came off in the 34th. Jermaine Pennant picked up a head injury late in the match.

Liverpool almost broke through late in the first half with a series of chances. Gerrard took a pass from Crouch on the break in the 31st and shot wide from 18 yards. A minute later, Gonzalez angled a dangerous ball across the front of the goal mouth.

In the 35th minute, Crouch headed a shot wide. In first-half injury time, the tall striker barely missed another header.

© The Canadian Press, 2007