Spartak Moscow vs Liverpool as it happened: Wasteful Reds fail to win again
Relive the action from Russia
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool wasted a string of chances and needed a first-half equaliser from Philippe Coutinho to secure a 1-1 draw with Spartak Moscow in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Liverpool fell behind when goalkeeper Loris Karius was slow to react to a curling free kick from 25 metres by Spartak's Fernando, which sailed into the net in the 23nd minute.
Jurgen Klopp's side were back on level terms, however, eight minutes later when Sadio Mane, returning after a three-match domestic suspension, combined brilliantly with Coutinho, before the Brazilian fired the ball above Spartak goalkeeper Artem Rebrov.
With draws in their first two Champions League fixtures, Liverpool and Spartak have two points, behind Group E leaders Sevilla, who beat Maribor 3-0.
What time does it start?
The game kicks off at 7.45pm (BST) at the Otkrytiye Arena on Tuesday 26 September.
Where can I watch it?
BT Sport 2 will be broadcasting the game. Alternatively, return to this page for updates from our live blog.
It's a big game for...
Loris Karius. The German goalkeeper has been guaranteed a start by his manager, and with Simon Mignolet suffering another mixed game against Leicester at the weekend this could well be a chance for Karius to prove he deserves a longer run in the first team.
Player to watch…
Mario Pasalic. The Croatian midfielder is one of the horde of youngsters sent out on loan by Chelsea. Signed from Hajduk Split in 2014, he has spent almost all of his time away from Stamford Bridge – taking in spells at Elche, Monaco and AC Milan. He signed a new four-year contract with the Blues this summer though and has nailed down a starting place at the heart of the Spartak midfield. Known more for his defensive capabilities but has still chipped in with a few goals already this season. A Premier League star of the future?
Form…
Spartak Moscow: DWDDW
Liverpool: WLDDL
Odds…
Spartak Moscow: 9/2
Draw: 7/2
Liverpool: 4/7
Good evening and welcome to our live coverage of this evening's Champions League fixtures!
Team News
We start with the news that Liverpool unleash Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino in the same team for the first time. Elsewhere Lloris Karius and Trent Alexander-Arnold return to the side having missed out in Saturday's win against Leicester.
Team News
Liverpool's opponents are not blessed with many household European names. Spartak Moscow's Fernando and Luiz Adriano each have a handful of caps for Brazil, but this is a team The Reds should overcome with ease.
Team News
Manchester City vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Pep Guardiola is without left-back Benjamin Mendy who is seeing a knee specialist in Barcelona. In his absence, Fabian Delph starts in defence. Gabriel Jesus also return to the side as Raheem Sterling has to make do on the bench.
Team News
Manchester City vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Here's how City's opponents line-up.
Team News
Apoel vs Tottenham
Tottenham are still without Dele Alli who remains suspended following a red card in Europe last season. Spurs are also without Christian Eriksen who did not travel through illness. Heung-min Son and Harry Winks are their replacements.
Team News
Apoel vs Tottenham
Without those key players, can Tottenham's Greek opponents, Apoel, cause an unlikely upset. Here's the team that will try.
"Positive difficult day"
Jurgen Klopp to BT Sport: "It's the most positive difficult day I've had so far with the line-up, no player gave me a reason not to play. That's a strong bench and it's what you need. We have to mix up the quality."
(On what he expects from Spartak Moscow) "A lively performance to be honest. They were the best side last year in the league and they deserve to be champions. It's about us to control their quality and bring through our quality. They are experienced and a good footballing side."
This is your 10-minute kick off warning. We'll be providing live updates for Liverpool's clash against Spartak Moscow as Jurgen Klopp looks to add to his side's draw against Sevilla. Stick around for score updates from Tottenham's match against Apoel and Manchester City versus Shakhtar Donetsk, where we will certainly keep a close eye on Facundo Ferreyra.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments