Champions League: Wednesday's action in pictures

Liverpool desperately needed a win to keep their Champions League hopes alive. They had lost two of their opening three group matches ... But they did have Fernando Torres back in their starting line-up Photograph: Nick Potts/PA

However, Torres was closely guarded from the off by his opponents Photograph: John Sibley/Action Images

Lyon's Argentinian forward Lisandro López shields Liverpool's Dutch forward Dirk Kuyt from the ball Photograph: Philippe Merle/AFP/Getty Images

Cris jumps over the two-legged challenge of Javier Mascherano Photograph: Jean-paul Pelissier/Reuters

Andriy Voronin misses a glorious opportunity when faced with a one-on-one opportunity against the Lyon goalkeeper, firing the ball straight against the keeper's legs Photograph: Philippe Desmazes/AFP/Getty Images

Jamie Carragher beats Lisandro to a header Photograph: Laurent Cipriani/AP

Yossi Benayoun heads goalwards as Liverpool dominate the first half Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images

Kuyt is beaten by Lisandro Photograph: Christophe Ena/AP

Kuyt tries an overhead kick but doesn't connect cleanly Photograph: John Sibley/Action Images

Torres outjumps Cris Photograph: Philippe Merle/AFP/Getty Images

Pepe Reina makes a fine save from Lisandro Photograph: Philippe Desmazes/AFP/Getty Images

Rafael Benítez looks nervous on the sidelines Photograph: John Sibley/Action Images

After 84 minutes, substitute Ryan Babel launches a stunning long-range strike into the top corner of the net to give Liverpool a precious lead ... Photograph: John Sibley/Action Images

... only for Lyon to score in injury time. It was all down to shambolic defending from Liverpool which allowed Lisandro to flick the ball beyond Pepe Reina Photograph: Horacio Villalobos/EPA

The 1-1 draw leaves Benítez's side on the brink of exiting the competition Photograph: John Sibley/Action Images

Meanwhile, at Emirates Stadium in London, Arsenal were looking for their third win in four group games against the side who lied third in Group H, Az Alkmaar. Here, Alkmaar's Graziano Pelle jumps with Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen Photograph: Sean Dempsey/PA

Emmanuel Eboué is challenged by David Mendes Da Silva Photograph: Sean Dempsey/PA

Abou Diaby colides with Stijn Schaars Photograph: Phil Cole/Getty Images

Gunners captain Cesc Fábregas scores the opening goal of the game, beating goalkeeper Sergio Romero at his near post Photograph: Matt Dunham/AP

Samir Nasri spins his marker and adds a second goal on the stroke of half-time... Photograph: Sean Dempsey/PA

Nasri is congratulated Photograph: Eddie Keogh/Reuters

Cesc Fábregas bags a third for the Gunners Photograph: Tony O'Brien/Action Images

Abou Diaby adds the fourth as Arsenal coast to a 4-1 win Photograph: Gerry Penny/EPA