Babel warns Liverpool that Besiktas are a much better side this time [divider]

Kasımpaşa winger Ryan Babel underlined that Beşiktaş have improved since the 8-0 hammering they suffered at the hands of Liverpool in the 2007-08 Champions League group stages.

Babel was a Liverpool player at the time of the humiliating victory and scored a brace against the Black Eagles.

“It was a much better Besiktas side this time. They made it very difficult for Liverpool by staying compact and defensive in the first leg,” Babel told the official Liverpool website.

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Beşiktaş are currently second in the Süper Lig and have yet to lose against English opposition at home in European competition this season.

Babel scored a total of 22 goals in 146 appearances for Liverpool between 2007-11 and later joined Kasımpaşa on a free transfer from Ajax in 2013.

The 28-year-old does however, believe that Liverpool are still favourites to make it past the Europa League Round of 32 second-leg.

“In the end, with the penalty, I think Liverpool have a good chance for the second leg. They have a lead, which means Besiktas have to attack,” he added.

Liverpool won the first 1-0 and will now take on the Black Eagles at the Atatürk Olympic stadium.