European champion Liverpool was eliminated from the English League Cup on Tuesday, beaten 2-1 by Football League Championship side Crystal Palace in the third round.
Crystal Palace led in the 37th minute on a goal by Dougie Freedman, but Liverpool equalized with a side-footed goal from Steven Gerrard -- the midfielder's 50th goal for the club.
Marco Reich scored the winning goal in the 66th minute.
Liverpool started with a mix of youth and experience, with Gerrard -- playing his first match since injuring his shin playing for England -- Dietmar Hamman, Peter Crouch and Harry Kewell alongside the inexperienced David Raven and Zak Whitbread.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez said he did not scold his players after the match.
"I think they worked hard, created opportunities but couldn't score and then they scored a second goal," he said. "Their keeper saved some good opportunities then they scored. We worked really hard."
Wigan beat Watford 3-0 after extra time, while West Bromwich Albion beat Fulham 3-2.
Palace was relegated from the Premier League last season.
"There was no pressure tonight against the European champions, we had nothing to lose," Palace midfielder Michael Hughes said. "We played some good stuff and overall we deserved to win.
"It's a tough league but we feel we are capable of getting back up there. Based on tonight's performance, we can."
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