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As it happenedended

Spartak Moscow vs Liverpool as it happened: Wasteful Reds fail to win again

Relive the action from Russia

Tuesday 26 September 2017 22:12 BST
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(Getty)

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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...

Is Klopp ready to show faith in Karius for the long-term?
Is Klopp ready to show faith in Karius for the long-term? (Getty)

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…

Pasalic scored in Spartak's recent win over FC Tosno
Pasalic scored in Spartak's recent win over FC Tosno (Getty Images)

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

86 mins: Daniel Sturridge has a great chance to put Liverpool ahead but he can't control Roberto Firmino's headed ball at the near post and the defence mop up.

Jack Watson26 September 2017 21:29

89 mins: Daniel Sturridge sees another great chance slip away. A floated cross finds him at the back post and he blasts a volley over when he should really have done better.

Jack Watson26 September 2017 21:33

Goal!

Manchester City 2-0 Shaktar Donetsk

90 mins: Raheem Sterling seals the win for Manchester City.

Jack Watson26 September 2017 21:35

Full time

Apoel 0-3 Tottenham

Harry Kane came, saw and conquered. His hat trick continues Spurs' winning start to the Champions League.

Jack Watson26 September 2017 21:36

93 mins: We've played three of at least eight minutes of added time. Liverpool continue to get into good positions but we're waiting for another clear cut chance.

Jack Watson26 September 2017 21:37

What. A. Save.

95 mins: Trent Alexander-Arnold crosses to Mohamed Salah and his close range header is somehow saved. He needs to score there and either side of the goalkeeper might have done it. 

Jack Watson26 September 2017 21:39

Full time

Spartak Moscow 1-1 Liverpool

Another missed opportunity for Liverpool will feel they should be returning from Russia, not with love, but with three points.

Jack Watson26 September 2017 21:43

How good does this look, Spurs fans? 

Jack Watson26 September 2017 21:45

Frustration for Henderson

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson to BT Sport: "We controlled the game so we should win the game comfortably. We've got to make sure we don't give goals away.

In a worse case scenario we should win 1-0. We've got to finish teams off and be more ruthless."

Jack Watson26 September 2017 21:54

'Average'

Jurgen Klopp to BT Sport: "The situation around the free kick is not even a foul.

"We could have created even more but the chances we had were big enough to score two, three, four times. We have to carry on. It's a really crazy game, to have that many chances and not score more is average."

Jack Watson26 September 2017 22:02

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