Spartak Moscow vs Liverpool as it happened: Wasteful Reds fail to win again
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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
2 mins: My word this is a noisy crowd, I've just had to turn down my television. Liverpool's plan to deal with the intimidating atmosphere appears to keep the ball for as long as possible and frustrate their hosts.
5 mins: Philippe Coutinho has taken a deeper role in midfield by name only, he is playing roaming without any restrictions and tries to find Roberto Firmino with a cross but over hits his pass.
7 mins: Emre Can receives the first yellow card after a heavy touch invites him to lunge in on Salvatore Bochetti. I feel like I've seen those given as red cards in the Premier League...
11 mins: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Emre Can and Mohamed Salah combine really well on the right wing and through a series of one-touch flicks set up a chance for Aelxander-Arnold but he drags his shot wide.
16 mins: So close! Sadio Mane, who has started really well, crosses from deep and finds Roberto Firmino who is unmarked on the penalty spot and heads goal bound but the goalkeeper makes an incredible acrobatic save.
Elsewhere in Europe...
As expected, Tottenham have made a really good start against Apoel. Son latches onto a loose ball in the box but his shot is heroically blocked.
Closer to home, Manchester City are doing well with Kevin De Bruyne pulling all the strings against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Goal!
Spartak Moscow 1-0 Liverpool
21 mins: Philippe Coutinho helps out at the back with an initial clearance but concedes a foul in a central position on the edge of the box. Fernando strikes the free kick over the wall and into the net. The ball went in fairly centrally, questions will be asked of Loris Karius on that one.
24 mins: Trent Alexander-Arnold crosses the ball to Sadio Mane who ran from deep to meet the whipped cross and head into the net. An celebrations are premature as the linesman's flag rules Mane offside.
This week Jurgen Klopp said he could "write a book on defending." Any suggestions for the title? Having said that, historically Liverpool haven't had the best defensive record in the Champions League.
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