Liverpool did not have the best of the returns to the UEFA Champions League, as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Sevilla, at Anfield, on Wednesday night.
The Reds were pegged back early in the game, as Wissam Ben Yedder slotted home from point-blank range in the 5th minute. Roberto Firmino got the Reds back on level terms halfway through the first period, prodding home an Alberto Moreno cross. Mohamed Salah then put Liverpool ahead, albeit via a deflection from Simon Kjaer, in the 36th minute.
Firmino could have made if three for Liverpool, five minutes later, but had his penalty hit the outside of the post and the chance was spurned. The penalty miss came back to haunt the Reds as Joaquin Correa equalized for Sevilla in the 71st minute, with a great finish from inside the box. The Reds survived a late push for the winner from the visitors to hold on to a point, finishing the game with ten men, after Joe Gomez was sent off on the verge of full-time.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Loris Karius – 6/10
An early confusion with Dejan Lovren aside, he was fairly steady and assured in his kicking. Not a lot he could do about either goal.
Joe Gomez – 6/10
Showed good strength and determination, defending strongly for most parts and getting forward on occasions too. Sent off late in the game after two yellow cards.
Joel Matip – 6/10
Showed composure and confidence when on the ball and was fairly solid. But was guilty of affording too much space for Correa to score.
Dejan Lovren – 5/10
Messed up his clearance, leading to the goal. Another nervy moment after a lack of understanding with Karius, almost cost his team. Grew into the game, but was caught napping for the second.
Alberto Moreno – 7/10
Good run and cross for the equalizer. Booked for a bad foul. Won a brilliant header to send Mane through for the penalty, then had a driven effort saved. Less of a threat after the break, but a strong performance against his former side.
Emre Can – 6/10
Early shot at goal saved, then had a shot drift just wide with the score at 1-1. Good energy, but lacked that impact.
Jordan Henderson – 6/10
Involved in the lead up to the opening goal. Did his defensive duties well too, but couldn’t stamp his authority in the midfield.
Gini Wijnaldum – 7.5/10
Had a couple of well-struck shots at goal from distance deflected wide. Showed the dynamism and the energy that was missing from the earlier games this season.
Mohamed Salah – 8/10
Bright start, created a couple of dangerous chances early on. Showed great desire to win the ball back and fired a shot, that ended up in the net, via a deflection. Great movement off the ball, great speed.
Roberto Firmino – 7/10
Right place, right time, goal. Struck the woodwork from the penalty spot, which proved costly. But led the line well once again.
Sadio Mane – 7.5/10
Forced a save from Sergio Rico early in the game. Won the penalty in the first-half. Not the best of the second halves, as he lost possession quite a number of times in promising positions, but it was evident that he is going to be a big miss in the domestic games.
Substitutes
Philippe Coutinho – 5/10
Replaced Can for the final 15 minutes. Looked rusty.
Daniel Sturridge – NA
On for Sadio Mane in the 83rd minute.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – NA
Came on for Salah with less with two minutes left.