Lucas: 'Positive start was crucial'

Liverpool midfielder Lucas has insisted that his side's positive start was key to their 1-0 win over Stoke City in the opening leg of the League Cup semi-final between the two sides this evening.

The visiting Reds, who lost 2-0 to West Ham United last time out, controlled the possession at the Britannia Stadium before Jordon Ibe scored the only goal of the game in the 18th minute.

"It was clear we had to change some things from the West Ham game," Brazilian midfielder Lucas told Sky Sports News.

"We started really well and when we start well, we always play well and today that was the case.

"We had some bad luck with injuries early on, but we managed to keep a clean sheet and score an away goal."

The second leg will be played at Anfield on Tuesday, January 26.