Augsburg vs. Liverpool: 2016 Europa League Round of 32, Leg 1 Score, Reaction

Liverpool were held to a 0-0 draw by Augsburg in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-32 tie, with both teams failing to entertain during a dire match on Thursday night.

Kop chief Jurgen Klopp thankfully picked a strong side for Europe's second-tier competition, including the lethal three-pronged attack of Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino.

The club confirmed the Reds' full lineup:

Augsburg detailed their starting XI:

But despite the involvement of key attackers, the early stages were far from inspiring, a fact best summed up by Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo:

Goal-mouth action was scarce during a drab 45 minutes, with Liverpool's front three struggling to impose themselves. Klopp cut a frustrated figure as his team also couldn't seize control in midfield.

It will have also irked the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss that the Reds needed oft-criticised goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to keep things goalless at the half. The Belgian produced a fine stop before the break.

Sadly, the second half proved no more of a spectacle. In fact, the only Liverpool players that stood out were those at the back, something that surprised Press Association reporter Carl Markham:

Despite Kolo Toure's fine showing, the visitors had some poor finishing to thank for keeping a clean sheet. Attacking midfielder Caiuby was guilty of poor control in the box when any kind of competent first touch would have surely set him up to score.

Klopp tried to add some pace late on in the form of substitute Jordon Ibe, but it made little difference.

Augsburg even struck the post in the final moments after excellent creative work from Turkish schemer Halil Altintop.

Post-Match Reaction

Klopp tried to take heart from the stalemate but still wished for more from his team, per DW Sports:

He gave his full thoughts during an interview with BT Sport:

Augsburg manager Markus Weinzierl rued the early loss to injury of bullish striker Raul Bobadilla:

But goalkeeper Marwin Hitz still believes his team can qualify:

"

Augsburg's Marwin Hitz: "Liverpool is a good team at home, but our chances to advance are not any smaller." #FCALFC #LFC

— DW Sports (@dw_sports) February 18, 2016"

Drawing a blank back in Germany may not sit well with Klopp. His side couldn't snatch a key away strike, but a clean sheet does at least provide a decent platform ahead of the return leg at Anfield on Feb. 25.