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
Elsewhere in Europe...
Pep Guardiola said all week how hard this tie would be, but surely not many people believed Shakhtar Donetsk would make it the case. It remains 0-0.
Goal!
Apoel 0-1 Tottenham
39 mins: Harry Kane cannot stop scoring at the moment and he's scored his seventh goal in his last five games.
42 mins: Spartak Mosow are defending with a very deep line now and looking to break quickly. The press is less important, with Liverpool looking for a bit of invention as they work the ball on the edge of the box..
44 mins: Blink and you miss it. Liverpool break with blistering pace after defending a corner. Jordan Henderson gets the ball on the right and crosses towards Sadio Mane but the ball falls to Mohamed Salah who shoots from a tight angle and narrowly misses the open goal. Having said that, the flag was up for offside.
Half time
Spartak Moscow 1-1 Liverpool
Apoel 0-1 Tottenham
Manchester City 0-0 Shakhtar Donetsk
Was Liverpool's best summer signing keeping Philippe Coutinho? His goals could really determine how well Liverpool do.
46 mins: Spartak attack first then Liverpool break with their famed pace. On the break Emre Can is fouled off the ball and a resulting free kick is crossed the box but a foul is conceded by Dejan Lovren.
Goal!
Manchester City 1-0 Shakhtar Donetsk
Kevin De Bruyne breaks the deadlock.
52 mins: Liverpool win a free kick on the edge of the box and Philippe Coutinho strikes a low shot at the near post which is well saved.
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