Captain Steven Gerrard also took his chance five minutes later when again Hart blocked his low attempt.
But a couple minutes later, defender Daniel Agger was fouled inside the box by City's Stefan Savic. The Blues' defender kicked too high and into the knee of Agger, granted the Reds a penalty which Gerrard took and put past Hart into the bottom left corner of the net.
City striker Mario Balotelli, who only just returned from beingout with an ankle injury, took a free kick after a tumble with Liverpool's Charlie Adam. The Italian was obviously angry after Adam tapped his head before getting up, and he took his shot right into the wall.
Sami Nasri replaced Balotelli just before halftime and took the best chance for City in the first half with a shot from outside the penalty area.
Manchester City woke up in the second half. Nasri, Aguero and Micah Richards all gave keeper Pepe Reina a workout in the first 15 minutes.
Despite City dominating possesion in the second half, they failed to score with any of their chances. Nasri tried his luck again 20 yards out but it went flying over the bar. the Blues made sure that Reina continued to stay plenty busy.
Manager Kenny Dalglish substituted Craig Bellamy in the 80th minute with defender Jamie Carragher, with an aim to keep the Blues at bay.
A scuffle between Carragher and Nasri would see them both get the only yellow cards of the game. Nasri seemed to have went to head butt the Reds defender after Carragher furiously blocked his attempt at getting the ball.
Although Manchester still pushed for that equalising goal, creating several chances and close calls, Liverpool were the ones to walk away in victory.
The second leg is to be played at Anfield on the 25th of January.
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