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Balotelli penalty wins it for Reds

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Mario Ballotelli (Getty Images)
Mario Ballotelli (Getty Images)

Cape Town - Rejuvenated Mario Balotelli scored a late penalty to seal Liverpool's 1-0 victory over Besiktas in the last 32 of the Europa League, while title contenders Napoli, Wolfsburg and defending champion Sevilla also won first-leg matches on Thursday.

However, Inter Milan was denied victory at Celtic after conceding a goal deep into stoppage time in a 3-3 draw between two former European champions as the continent's second-tier competition resumed.

Returning to form after a slow start at Liverpool, Balotelli grabbed the ball as captain Jordan Henderson prepared to take the 85th-minute penalty and converted the spot kick himself to settle a tight game at Anfield.

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