Liverpool vs. Rubin Kazan: Score and Reaction from 2015 Europa League Match
Liverpool drew 1-1 with visitors Rubin Kazan at Anfield as new manager Jurgen Klopp cut a disappointed figure in the home dugout.
Goals by Marko Devic and Emre Can squared the UEFA Europa League match after a frustrating night for the Kop.
Klopp promoted Joe Allen to his starting XI for the encounter in place of Lucas, while Roberto Firmino and Christian Benteke took their places on the bench after absence.
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The Russian side made two changes to their lineup, with Blagoy Georgiev and Devic both starting—the latter making a huge impact.
The Anfield roar was loud and audible for their new coach at the first whistle, but the noise soon fell flat as Liverpool conceded.
Reds full-back Nathaniel Clyne was caught on the wrong side of Devic from a chipped pass, and the Ukrainian expertly controlled the ball on his chest and flicked the ball past goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Liverpool failed to respond as the crowd temporarily fell silent, with Bleacher Report's Karl Matchett highlighting the issues for the Reds:
Despite being sloppy in possession, Liverpool found a way back into the match after Kazan skipper Oleg Kuzmin was sent off for two yellow cards.
Klopp's team immediately took advantage from the resulting free-kick, with Philippe Coutinho's delivery finding the head of Divock Origi before being tapped home by Can.
Squawka Football noted Can's lack of goals over recent months:
The goal lit up Anfield, with the Liverpool fans desperate for something to cheer about, but the Reds failed to grab a second against the 10 men, who battled to reorganise themselves after losing their captain.
The score remained 1-1 at half-time, with Squawka providing the vital stats:
Reporter Glen Oglaza predicted an easy second half for Liverpool, with their depleted opposition in numerical trouble:
Liverpool started on the front foot for the second half, but their delivery was short on quality as they tried to dominate the final third of the pitch.
The Russians appeared content to sit back and soak up the pressure from the Premier League giants, but Klopp's men couldn't break down the mass in front of their attack.
Squawka explained why Liverpool's attack looked so weak, prompting Klopp to send on Benteke for Coutinho, who had a quiet night, on the hour mark:
Matchett explained the manager's thinking with the switch, bringing off one of the Reds' most creative talents:
The crowd once again began to fall silent as Liverpool struggled to produce a better performance, with the Tatars defending in numbers.
With the action flat and uninspiring, and the Reds not creating chances from open play despite having the extra man, sports correspondent Tom Williams injected some humour, making a post-match suggestion:
Liverpool appeared to struggle further as the game entered its latter stages, trying to force their way forward with little cohesion.
Reporter Zach Smith highlighted the home side's best period, but they ultimately couldn't find the breakthrough at the time:
However, Liverpool must have thought they had won the match deep deep into the second half as Benteke stroked his effort against the post. The Reds laid siege to the Russian Premier League team's goal but found it difficult to create good chances.
Benteke had definitely made a difference, giving a defined point of attack, but the former Aston Villa striker looked rusty on his return.
Liverpool continued to push forward until the final whistle, but the match ended without the expected win heralding Klopp's arrival on Merseyside.
Post-Match Reaction
Klopp was content with his team's display after the game and spoke calmly about the difficult night for his men.
However, the German said he is looking forward to developing the side to achieve long-term ambitions, hoping to play an attractive brand of football for their fans, as cited by Liverpool's official Twitter feed:
Liverpool play Rubin away next in Matchday 4, with the tie due to take place on Thursday Nov. 5, in a Bonfire Night spectacular in Russia.
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