Liverpool’s hopes hang in balance after defeat to Red Star Belgrade

Liverpool have played 200 matches in the European Cup and Champions League but surely few in an atmosphere as wild as this or as meekly. Jürgen Klopp’s team floundered in the face of a vibrant Red Star Belgrade display, and a home crowd to match, as their prospects of reaching the knock-out phase were dealt a serious blow in the Serbian capital.

Two goals from striker Milan Pavkov, the second a truly outstanding effort, delivered a famous victory for Vladan Milojevic’s team and Red Star’s first win in the competition – qualifiers excluded – since they were defending champions in 1992. “A different beast at home,” Andy Robertson had described them. Liverpool’s left-back was not wrong. The worry for Klopp and company is that they have become a different proposition themselves away from Anfield in the Champions League this season. Paris Saint Germain await next in France. Liverpool have left themselves little margin for error.

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