Uefa Champions League: There will be no repeat of the drama that accompanied Liverpool's passage to the second round of the Champions League last season.
Instead, the European Cup holders travel to Chelsea in a fortnight's time on top of Group G by a single point and with their place in the knockout stages already secured.
A draw here was enough to achieve that objective, ending Real Betis's hopes of progressing, though the evening will largely be remembered for the mixture of bad luck and poor finishing that continue to afflict Peter Crouch.
His search for a first Liverpool goal continues, though he could hardly have done more last night to end a drought that has now surpassed the 20-hour mark. Two headers narrowly missed the far upright while a well-struck volley appeared to be heading for goal until it struck David Rivas on the arm.
Rafael Benitez claims Liverpool are further forward than at any stage of his Anfield tenure, though the Spaniard, mindful of the fact that they needed only to avoid defeat to progress, warned his players against complacency.
Confidence was understandable given Liverpool's recent form which has seen them put together four successive victories, though last night they were without the Spanish duo of Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia, who failed to recover from injury.
Betis, in contrast, continue to struggle domestically, though they arrived here buoyed by their slender win over Chelsea in Seville a fortnight ago. A similar result at Anfield was required to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
Though with Dani, scorer of the only goal against Jose Mourinho's side, sidelined after picking up an ankle injury at the weekend and the Brazilian striker Ricardo Oliveira also out with cruciate ligament damage, the Spanish side were deprived of two of their most potent players. It showed, too, during a first half during in which they rarely threatened.
Not until the 23rd minute did a turgid opening period ignite. Then, during an extraordinary four-minute spell, Crouch came close to scoring his first Liverpool goal on three separate occasions. His first effort, a 25-yard volley struck with venom stung the hands of Antonio Doblas. Within a matter of seconds the gangly forward rose majestically to meet Steven Gerrard's outswinging corner, but his downward header went wide.
Liverpool were suddenly in control with Gerrard, their imperious captain, the driving force. It was from his cross that Crouch's next opening arrived.
Gerrard, released by Fernando Morientes, whipped an inviting ball across the face of goal that implored Crouch to head home, though his diving header from the edge of the six-yard box flashed past the back post.
The exasperation among Liverpool fans, desperate for Crouch to open his account, was tangible. Though their support for him remains steadfast, not least because of his contribution in other areas, particularly his hold-up play and neat touches.
Joaquin, a target for Chelsea and Liverpool, showed a few of those, too, adroitly dancing his way around John Arne Risse and Dietmar Hamann before running into a cul-de-sac.
Indeed that was the story of the first half for the visitors who struggling to find their way, although Xisco did draw a save from Jose Reina with a speculative drive in the 36th minute.
The second half was less than a minute old when Liverpool came close to a breakthrough. Gerrard was the architect, chesting the ball into the path of Morientes who appeared destined to score until Rivas slid in to block.
A good opening arrived midway through the second half when Crouch, having been set up by Morientes, thrashed a volley goalbound only for it to strike the left arm of Rivas, though the referee, Eric Poulat, waved away appeals for a penalty.
The same two players linked well shortly after though this time it was the Spaniard with the goal at his mercy but his hooked shot screwed narrowly wide.
Crouch turned provider again with 15 minutes remaining when he released Gerrard with a deft flick, though the England midfielder's curling shot, after he cut inside Juanito, was read by Doblas who comfortably saved.
Guardian Service
LIVERPOOL: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Gerrard (Potter 90), Hamann, Sissoko, Zenden, Crouch (Kewell 83), Morientes (Cisse 66). Subs Not Used: Dudek, Josemi, Traore, Warnock. Booked: Hamann.
REAL BETIS: Doblas, Melli, Juanito, Rivas, Oscar Lopez, Joaquin, Assuncao (Capi 69), Rivera, Arzu, Xisco, Fernando (Israel 78). Subs Not Used: Contreras, Canas, Castellini, Edu, Juanlu. Booked: Oscar Lopez.
Referee: E Poulat (France).
