Zenit St Petersburg against Liverpool

Sliced clearance from Malafeev but the Reds can't capitalise.

Zenit have Liverpool exactly where they want them now. Fluid passing leaves the visitors are frustrated.

Played short and Zenit patiently keeping the ball,

Hulk tackled by Johnson and it's a Zenit corner.

Liverpool still trying to build it up from the back rather than hoofing it long.

Malafeev down to save Suarez's effort and the goalkeeper gets lucky as he palmed it towards Henderson but the Englishman couldn't quite swing his boot at the rebound.

Chance for Liverpool here, a free-kick about 25 yards out. Suarez and Gerrard lining it up.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Neto booked for a foul on Suarez.

Downing's corner straight into Malafeev's grasp.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> First of all though, Faitzulin on for Kerzhakov

Downing set to swing in a corner.

<em>@musicolie on Twitter: #liverpoolfc has made this a tough season for their fans.</em>

Hulk fouls Enrique but Liverpool waste the resulting free-kick.

Denisov strikes one but Reina collects.

<em>Stats: Liverpool have now failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their five trips to Russia. </em>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Lucas on for Sterling

Zenit really smelling blood, Liverpool all over the place, the momentum has been completely lost. Lucas now warming up as a bid to steady the ship.

Denisov tries his luck from distance but it hits Skrtel.

Zenit now turning the screw, with Denisov and Witsel knocking the ball around at will.

Carragher is absolutely furious with his team-mates as he makes an important challenge to deny Kerzhakov. This could well be his last ever European away day.

Ruthless stuff from Zenit, two goals in a couple of minutes have the Reds reeling.

<strong>ZENIT 2-0 LIVERPOOL</strong> Cross from Aniukov gets all the way through to the back post and Semak was there to tap it in.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Semak makes it 2-0.

Expecting to see Borini or Shelvey soon as Liverpool could now really do with an away goal.

Wow, that was some strike and just as Liverpool were exerting all the control they've been sucker-punched.

<strong> ZENIT 1-0 LIVERPOOL. </strong>From absolutely nothing, Henderson was pickpocketed and Hulk smashed it in the top corner from 20 yards out.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Hulk with a screamer!

Liverpool doing so much better with possession in the second half. Think they were showing Zenit too much respect in the first period.

For all the live updates and chat from tonight's other Europa League games, <a href=http://espnfc.com/live/_/id/1340445/matchday-live---february-14"" target="_blank">you can join Tom Sweetman here.</a> Though you might want to wait for another 23 minutes before you abandon me!

Corner for Liverpool now, Downing whips it in but Neto clears.

<em>@Wiamah on Twitter: Why is it that Liverpool always wasting brilliant chances. Against WBA it was the same.</em>

Reina miscues with a spooned clearance - there was an awkward bobble as he went to kick-it. Nothing comes of it though and Liverpool advance again.

Semak and Denisov combine well for Zenit but Skrtel again stands firm. Liverpool defending much better in the second half. No real chances for the Russian side.

Suarez still full of energy, he doesn't look fazed at all and is pushing for a goal that certainly looks like coming.

He had so much time to pick his spot from the edge of the box, but he's curled it wide. Real chance that, not quite sure how Suarez hasn't scored tonight. Four decent opportunities.

Suarez has missed another one!

Gerrard almost gives us all an eyeful as Hubocan nearly brings his shorts down. Thank goodness we avoided that.

Skrtel gives it away to Hulk but Allen does well to win the ball back.

Skrtel searches for Johnson with a searching diagonal but it's just beyond the right-back.

<em>@KemarGQ_LFC on Twitter: solid display from reina, carra and skrtel but our midfield is awful... I'm no xabi alonso but I could own that midfield</em>

Danny moving a little gingerly - there was a rumour before the game that he was carrying an injury and he hasn't looked comfortable since taking a knock in the first half.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Semak on for Danny

<em>Stats: This is the third time Liverpool have reached the round of 32 since the introduction of the group stage and the Reds have yet to fall at this hurdle. </em>

Gerrard to deliver a free-kick from the right-wing now. Carragher and Skrtel both up.

Very positive start to the second half from Liverpool. And the visitors have a free-kick now just inside the Zenit half.

Fantastic run from Johnson, he just kept going and going and almost slid it past Vyacheslav Malafee. Amazes me how he continues to be one of Liverpool's best attacking options - from right-back!

No half-time changes as it was a decent first-half performance. No need to change thing sup just yet. Not amazing options on the bench anyhow, Borini or Shelvey if they want to chase it. No sign of any naughtiness from Zenit fans as yet.

<em>@haterhaiku on Twitter: Halftime changes for LFC, thoughts? How's the crowd behaving after all the hype? #stuckatwork #YNWA #LFC</em>

Right, we're off for the second half...

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the game so far - tell me what you think on Twitter - <a href="https://twitter.com/marklomasESPN" target="_blank">@marklomasESPN is the place to go.</a>

<strong>Zenit 0-0 Liverpool.</strong> Plenty of chances for both teams and a really exciting game of football, despite the testing conditions. Suarez's efforts were perhaps the best, surely there will be some goals to come in the second half.

There goes the half-time whistle...

The pitch is cutting up quite badly and there's a few frustrated players out there.

Downing has a a crack after coming inside off the right wing. But it was always rising.

Witsel tries to curl one home from the edge of the box but Skrtel throws his body in the way.

Gerrard plays in Suarez with a lovely pass but the Liverpool star is crowded out by Neto and Aniukov.

It's been a really entertaining half of football so far.

To be fair to Suarez, it's difficult to criticise that effort as it was a piece of genius improvisation.

Allen's cross was collected by Sterling and he found Suarez, who produced an innovative effort to backheel it just wide of the post.

Suarez has missed a great chance!

Cross comes in from Hubocan but it's too close to Reina and the Liverpool keeper claims the ball without any problems.

In the other 1700 GMT kick-off tonight, Samuel Eto'o has just equalised for Anzhi at home to Hannover, who led through Szabolcs Huszti 22

Liverpool just easing their way into the game a bit more after chasing shadows for much of the first half. Great atmosphere at the Petrovsky Stadium it must be said. VEry vocal home support.

It's quite possible, Agger did take responsibility for that defeat and Carragher in particular has looked very solid tonight.

<em>@southernroo7 on Twitter: stuck at work so thank you for the game cast commentary. Agger left home due to poor game against West Brom?</em>

Danny kicks Glen Johnson's foot and looks to be in some pain. He's rolling around with hands on his face. And on comes the golf buggy to take him off the pitch.

Barnstorming run from Enrique but he can't quite pick out Suarez.

Kerzhakov with a spectacular air shot. Had he connected it could have been a dream overhead kick. But he missed with an effort that was straight out of the Mark Lomas school of finishing.

It's wave after wave of Zenit attack for Liverpool to deal with at the moment.

That effort that Reina saved before actually hit the post - possibly a slight touch from the Liverpool keeper.

<em>Stats: Liverpool had the best pass completion rate (89%)in this season's Europa League group stage.</em>

The ball rolls across the line and Liverpool survive.

ANOTHER top save from Reina, standing firm at the moment.

Near-post header from Danny is collected by Reina without too much trouble.

Great strength by Hulk to get past Joe Allen but Carragher does really well to read the situation and intercept.

It's a bit of a baptism of fire for Neto, facing a player with the quality of Suarez on his debut.

Gerrard feeds the ball through to Suarez, but he's narrowly offside.

And Skrtel again blown up for a foul, this time for pushing Kerzhakov in his own half.

The referee penalises Skrtel for too much pushing and shoving.

Corner for Liverpool now, Gerrard to deliver.

Downing has been disappointing so far and in fact neither he or Sterling have really had a sniff of the ball or a chance to run with it yet.

Hulk gets to the byline again and pulls the ball back but he can't find a blue shirt. Dangerous moment for Liverpool.

Zenit back on the attack, Hulk leading the charge and winning a corner for Zenit.

That was a real chance for Suarez - it was a terrible error by Lombaerts, who basically passed it straight to the Uruguayan. He was clean through and maybe should have shot rather than taking on the keeper.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Skrtel booked against his former club for a high tackle.

But it's a heavy touch and he's over-run it, the ball bobbling out of play.

Suarez gets around the keeper....

<em>Stats: This is Stewart Downing's seventh start in the Europa League this season and he is the only Liverpool player to have started every game. </em>

Gerrard teases in a free-kick from the right wing but it's just beyond Suarez and Skrtel.

I know it gets cold up in the North West of England but I don't think may of the Liverpool players will have played in -2 degree temperatures before. Freezing in St Petersburg.

Zenit probing on the edge of the Liverpool area - Witsel and Hulk trying to create an opening.

Liverpool struggling to get the ball on the ground at the moment, the home side enjoying the lion's share of possession.

Lovely little piece of skill from Hulk, he's looked hungry so far. And you won't like him when he's hungry.

<em>Stats: Liverpool's Martin Skrtel moved to Anfield from Zenit in 2008. </em>

Perhaps Reina took inspiration from De Gea's performance in Madrid last night. Two world-class saves so far. Anything he can do...

Another wonderful save from Reina, Hulk's left-foot shot turned around the post. Superb stuff from the Spaniard.

Two excellent early chances for each team, Zenit might be a bit worried about how easily Suarez brushed past Neto, who is making his competitive debut.

And straight down the other end, Liverpool go close. Johnson picks out Suarez, who gets past Neto with ease and strikes across goal and narrowly wide.

Early chance for Zenit, Alexander Kerzhakov's shot well saved from Reina. It's been a bright opening for the Russians.

And we're off...

The players are out of the tunnel and we're just moments away from kick-off now. Zenit and Liverpool looking to take a step towards this year's final in Amsterdam.

Zenit of course won this competition back when it was the UEFA Cup in 2008. They beat Rangers in the final on a night that is unfortunately remembered for the nasty spats of violence in Manchester city centre among supporters.

Zenit's striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov has been talking up his side's chances, saying: "We all very much want to win. We are in pretty much peak condition and ready to show what we can do."

Yes, Sturridge is cup-tied, as is Philippe Coutinho, who moved from Inter Milan in January. Sturridge probably wouldn't have been fit to play anyway as he missed the West Brom game on Monday.

<em>@seven7costanza on Twitter: is daniel sturridge cup tied because of chelsea dropping into the europa league? </em>

As always, I'm really keen to get your thoughts on the game, so do give me a shout on Twitter - <a href="https://twitter.com/marklomasESPN" target="_blank">@marklomasESPN</a> is the place to go.

Zenit may not have played a competitive game in two months but they still boast an incredible home record in Europe having lost just one of their last 19 - that defeat coming to AC Milan in this season's Champions League.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0117/brendanrodgersianayreliverpool_275x155.jpg"><br>Racism has been a hot topic in the lead up to the game, with Zenit's less than exemplary record under the microscope. Both <a href="http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1338608/liverpool-express-concerns-over-zenit-st-petersburg-racism?cc=5739" target="_blank">Ian Ayre </a> and <a href="http://espnfc.c" target="_blank">Brendan Rodgers</a> have discussed the matter in recent days.

Ahead of the game in Russia, ESPN's Liverpool blogger Kristan Walsh has been <a href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/liverpool/id/634?cc=5739" target="_blank">playing down the incessant talk of 'revolution'</a> in relation to Brendan Rodgers' Anfield tenure.

Join us from 1700 GMT for live text commentary of Zenit St Petersburg v Liverpool in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie.

Zenit really smelling blood, Liverpool all over the place, the momentum has been completely lost. Lucas now warming up as a bid to steady the ship.

Denisov tries his luck from distance but it hits Skrtel.

Zenit now turning the screw, with Denisov and Witsel knocking the ball around at will.

Carragher is absolutely furious with his team-mates as he makes an important challenge to deny Kerzhakov. This could well be his last ever European away day.

Ruthless stuff from Zenit, two goals in a couple of minutes have the Reds reeling.

<strong>ZENIT 2-0 LIVERPOOL</strong> Cross from Aniukov gets all the way through to the back post and Semak was there to tap it in.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Semak makes it 2-0.

Expecting to see Borini or Shelvey soon as Liverpool could now really do with an away goal.

Wow, that was some strike and just as Liverpool were exerting all the control they've been sucker-punched.

<strong> ZENIT 1-0 LIVERPOOL. </strong>From absolutely nothing, Henderson was pickpocketed and Hulk smashed it in the top corner from 20 yards out.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Hulk with a screamer!

Liverpool doing so much better with possession in the second half. Think they were showing Zenit too much respect in the first period.

For all the live updates and chat from tonight's other Europa League games, <a href=http://espnfc.com/live/_/id/1340445/matchday-live---february-14"" target="_blank">you can join Tom Sweetman here.</a> Though you might want to wait for another 23 minutes before you abandon me!

Corner for Liverpool now, Downing whips it in but Neto clears.

<em>@Wiamah on Twitter: Why is it that Liverpool always wasting brilliant chances. Against WBA it was the same.</em>

Reina miscues with a spooned clearance - there was an awkward bobble as he went to kick-it. Nothing comes of it though and Liverpool advance again.

Semak and Denisov combine well for Zenit but Skrtel again stands firm. Liverpool defending much better in the second half. No real chances for the Russian side.

Suarez still full of energy, he doesn't look fazed at all and is pushing for a goal that certainly looks like coming.

He had so much time to pick his spot from the edge of the box, but he's curled it wide. Real chance that, not quite sure how Suarez hasn't scored tonight. Four decent opportunities.

Suarez has missed another one!

Gerrard almost gives us all an eyeful as Hubocan nearly brings his shorts down. Thank goodness we avoided that.

Skrtel gives it away to Hulk but Allen does well to win the ball back.

Skrtel searches for Johnson with a searching diagonal but it's just beyond the right-back.

<em>@KemarGQ_LFC on Twitter: solid display from reina, carra and skrtel but our midfield is awful... I'm no xabi alonso but I could own that midfield</em>

Danny moving a little gingerly - there was a rumour before the game that he was carrying an injury and he hasn't looked comfortable since taking a knock in the first half.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Semak on for Danny

<em>Stats: This is the third time Liverpool have reached the round of 32 since the introduction of the group stage and the Reds have yet to fall at this hurdle. </em>

Gerrard to deliver a free-kick from the right-wing now. Carragher and Skrtel both up.

Very positive start to the second half from Liverpool. And the visitors have a free-kick now just inside the Zenit half.

Fantastic run from Johnson, he just kept going and going and almost slid it past Vyacheslav Malafee. Amazes me how he continues to be one of Liverpool's best attacking options - from right-back!

No half-time changes as it was a decent first-half performance. No need to change thing sup just yet. Not amazing options on the bench anyhow, Borini or Shelvey if they want to chase it. No sign of any naughtiness from Zenit fans as yet.

<em>@haterhaiku on Twitter: Halftime changes for LFC, thoughts? How's the crowd behaving after all the hype? #stuckatwork #YNWA #LFC</em>

Right, we're off for the second half...

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the game so far - tell me what you think on Twitter - <a href="https://twitter.com/marklomasESPN" target="_blank">@marklomasESPN is the place to go.</a>

<strong>Zenit 0-0 Liverpool.</strong> Plenty of chances for both teams and a really exciting game of football, despite the testing conditions. Suarez's efforts were perhaps the best, surely there will be some goals to come in the second half.

There goes the half-time whistle...

The pitch is cutting up quite badly and there's a few frustrated players out there.

Downing has a a crack after coming inside off the right wing. But it was always rising.

Witsel tries to curl one home from the edge of the box but Skrtel throws his body in the way.

Gerrard plays in Suarez with a lovely pass but the Liverpool star is crowded out by Neto and Aniukov.

It's been a really entertaining half of football so far.

To be fair to Suarez, it's difficult to criticise that effort as it was a piece of genius improvisation.

Allen's cross was collected by Sterling and he found Suarez, who produced an innovative effort to backheel it just wide of the post.

Suarez has missed a great chance!

Cross comes in from Hubocan but it's too close to Reina and the Liverpool keeper claims the ball without any problems.

In the other 1700 GMT kick-off tonight, Samuel Eto'o has just equalised for Anzhi at home to Hannover, who led through Szabolcs Huszti 22

Liverpool just easing their way into the game a bit more after chasing shadows for much of the first half. Great atmosphere at the Petrovsky Stadium it must be said. VEry vocal home support.

It's quite possible, Agger did take responsibility for that defeat and Carragher in particular has looked very solid tonight.

<em>@southernroo7 on Twitter: stuck at work so thank you for the game cast commentary. Agger left home due to poor game against West Brom?</em>

Danny kicks Glen Johnson's foot and looks to be in some pain. He's rolling around with hands on his face. And on comes the golf buggy to take him off the pitch.

Barnstorming run from Enrique but he can't quite pick out Suarez.

Kerzhakov with a spectacular air shot. Had he connected it could have been a dream overhead kick. But he missed with an effort that was straight out of the Mark Lomas school of finishing.

It's wave after wave of Zenit attack for Liverpool to deal with at the moment.

That effort that Reina saved before actually hit the post - possibly a slight touch from the Liverpool keeper.

<em>Stats: Liverpool had the best pass completion rate (89%)in this season's Europa League group stage.</em>

The ball rolls across the line and Liverpool survive.

ANOTHER top save from Reina, standing firm at the moment.

Near-post header from Danny is collected by Reina without too much trouble.

Great strength by Hulk to get past Joe Allen but Carragher does really well to read the situation and intercept.

It's a bit of a baptism of fire for Neto, facing a player with the quality of Suarez on his debut.

Gerrard feeds the ball through to Suarez, but he's narrowly offside.

And Skrtel again blown up for a foul, this time for pushing Kerzhakov in his own half.

The referee penalises Skrtel for too much pushing and shoving.

Corner for Liverpool now, Gerrard to deliver.

Downing has been disappointing so far and in fact neither he or Sterling have really had a sniff of the ball or a chance to run with it yet.

Hulk gets to the byline again and pulls the ball back but he can't find a blue shirt. Dangerous moment for Liverpool.

Zenit back on the attack, Hulk leading the charge and winning a corner for Zenit.

That was a real chance for Suarez - it was a terrible error by Lombaerts, who basically passed it straight to the Uruguayan. He was clean through and maybe should have shot rather than taking on the keeper.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> Skrtel booked against his former club for a high tackle.

But it's a heavy touch and he's over-run it, the ball bobbling out of play.

Suarez gets around the keeper....

<em>Stats: This is Stewart Downing's seventh start in the Europa League this season and he is the only Liverpool player to have started every game. </em>

Gerrard teases in a free-kick from the right wing but it's just beyond Suarez and Skrtel.

I know it gets cold up in the North West of England but I don't think may of the Liverpool players will have played in -2 degree temperatures before. Freezing in St Petersburg.

Zenit probing on the edge of the Liverpool area - Witsel and Hulk trying to create an opening.

Liverpool struggling to get the ball on the ground at the moment, the home side enjoying the lion's share of possession.

Lovely little piece of skill from Hulk, he's looked hungry so far. And you won't like him when he's hungry.

<em>Stats: Liverpool's Martin Skrtel moved to Anfield from Zenit in 2008. </em>

Perhaps Reina took inspiration from De Gea's performance in Madrid last night. Two world-class saves so far. Anything he can do...

Another wonderful save from Reina, Hulk's left-foot shot turned around the post. Superb stuff from the Spaniard.

Two excellent early chances for each team, Zenit might be a bit worried about how easily Suarez brushed past Neto, who is making his competitive debut.

And straight down the other end, Liverpool go close. Johnson picks out Suarez, who gets past Neto with ease and strikes across goal and narrowly wide.

Early chance for Zenit, Alexander Kerzhakov's shot well saved from Reina. It's been a bright opening for the Russians.

And we're off...

The players are out of the tunnel and we're just moments away from kick-off now. Zenit and Liverpool looking to take a step towards this year's final in Amsterdam.

Zenit of course won this competition back when it was the UEFA Cup in 2008. They beat Rangers in the final on a night that is unfortunately remembered for the nasty spats of violence in Manchester city centre among supporters.

Zenit's striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov has been talking up his side's chances, saying: "We all very much want to win. We are in pretty much peak condition and ready to show what we can do."

Yes, Sturridge is cup-tied, as is Philippe Coutinho, who moved from Inter Milan in January. Sturridge probably wouldn't have been fit to play anyway as he missed the West Brom game on Monday.

<em>@seven7costanza on Twitter: is daniel sturridge cup tied because of chelsea dropping into the europa league? </em>

As always, I'm really keen to get your thoughts on the game, so do give me a shout on Twitter - <a href="https://twitter.com/marklomasESPN" target="_blank">@marklomasESPN</a> is the place to go.

Zenit may not have played a competitive game in two months but they still boast an incredible home record in Europe having lost just one of their last 19 - that defeat coming to AC Milan in this season's Champions League.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2013/0117/brendanrodgersianayreliverpool_275x155.jpg"><br>Racism has been a hot topic in the lead up to the game, with Zenit's less than exemplary record under the microscope. Both <a href="http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1338608/liverpool-express-concerns-over-zenit-st-petersburg-racism?cc=5739" target="_blank">Ian Ayre </a> and <a href="http://espnfc.c" target="_blank">Brendan Rodgers</a> have discussed the matter in recent days.

Ahead of the game in Russia, ESPN's Liverpool blogger Kristan Walsh has been <a href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/liverpool/id/634?cc=5739" target="_blank">playing down the incessant talk of 'revolution'</a> in relation to Brendan Rodgers' Anfield tenure.

Join us from 1700 GMT for live text commentary of Zenit St Petersburg v Liverpool in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie.