Despite their dominance in the game, Premier League giants Liverpool were left frustrated in Russia. The Anfield outfit were left frustrated by a stubborn Spartak Moscow side, with the result at full-time a draw at one goal apiece.
Brazilian midfielder Fernando score for the home side while Liverpool talisman Philippe Coutinho scored for the away side.
Liverpool had 64% possession throughout the game, and had no less than 16 shots attempts at goal. And yet, they’ve squandered many of their chances and have managed to score only one goal in the entire ninety minutes.
The Premier League side kicked things off in Moscow but did not manage to get a clear chance until the 11th minute. Eighteen-year-old Trent Alexander-Arnold notched Liverpool’s first shot in the game, but the wall would eventually go wide.
Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah and enigmatic forward Roberto Firmino would also get their chances at goal soon after, but none would hit the back of the net.
Liverpool, it appeared, were so focused on the attack that they became careless in defence. Enter Fernando, whose dominant presence in midfield paved the way for Spartak to score the opening goal. The Brazilian scored through a fantastic free-kick, sending the ball towards the top-right corner.
Well in, Phil! pic.twitter.com/lnyT2Jf3Fc
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 26, 2017
The Merseyside giants would quickly respond with their own Brazilian flair. Coutinho received Sadio Mane’s intricate through ball with great control, then sent the ball flying towards the top-left corner.
The second half, however, would be a dull affair. Alexander-Arnold had a go at goal eighteen minutes from time, but the ball would go high and wide. The ball would meet the same fate a minute later, with Firmino failing to control the ball with his kick.
Fan-favourite Daniel Sturridge nearly scored the winner for the Reds in the dying moments of the game after narrowly missing the net.
In the end, Liverpool would be forced to share the spoils with their Russian opposites and the game ends all square. This would condemn Liverpool with just two points earned from two games in the Champions League.