LONDON, Jan 12: Steven Gerrard's second-half goal gave Liverpool a 1-0 win over second division Watford in the first leg of their League Cup semifinal at Anfield on Tuesday.

The England midfielder struck after 56 minutes, finishing a flowing move with a firm goal bound shot from just inside the area that Watford defender Neil Cox could only head into his own net.

Liverpool, record seven-times League Cup winners, dominated the second half following the introduction of Czech striker Milan Baros as a substitute, wasting opportunities to extend their lead before the second leg at Vicarage Road in two weeks.

Watford, 16th in the second division, had competed well in the first half, threatening to open the scoring after 18 minutes when Brynjar Gunnarsson's powerful header was blocked by goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek.

ATLETICO MADRID FINED

MADRID: Atletico Madrid have been fined 600 euros ($794) by the Spanish Football Federation for racist chanting in Sunday's derby match against Real Madrid at the Calderon.

Real Madrid's Brazilian full back Roberto Carlos was singled out by the crowd for abuse during the game at the Calderon which Real won 3-0. Last month Albacete were fined 600 euros when the same referee reported that Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o had been abused in a league match. -Agencies