Liverpool 1-0 FC Augsburg: Uefa Europa League last 32 - as it happened

Full-time: Liverpool 1-0 FC Augsburg

Liverpool progress into the next round thanks to an early penalty from James Milner. The Reds were very impressive for the most part, even if their dominance wasn't reflected in the scoreline.

Thanks for joining us this evening!

Almost famous last words, there. Stafylidis hits a free-kick from distance that just shaves the post.

So, so, so close to a tie-winning goal.

Tick-tock, tick-tock...

Liverpool are moments away from the round of 16 now. It's been a successful evening for the Reds so far, with Daniel Sturridge and Coutinho getting some much-needed minutes.

But they still need to see this one out.

The Reds continue to press, looking for a second goal to put the seal on it.

In truth, they look more likely to score than the Germans, who have started to throw caution to the wind. But it may be too little, too late.

Less than ten minutes left at Anfield now.

Another change for the hosts, and another of their stars is being removed.

On this occasion, it is Coutinho who is making way. Once again, he's been sparkling at times tonight.

Ahhhhh, Liverpool were so close to making it 2-0!

There was a horrible mix-up in the Germans' defence and from a few yards, Jordan Henderson scuffs his shot straight at the keeper.

The England international will hope that moment doesn't come back to haunt him - Liverpool really ought to have sealed their place with that chance.

A big moment for the away side, this.

The Argentine-born forward Raul Bobadilla replaces Werner for the last 15 minutes or so. He's the Germans' main goal threat and is making a surprising return from injury.

Can he become a hero tonight? We'll have to wait to see...

Oh. No need to stress, Liverpool fans. Milner has returned to the field.

Liverpool have 20 minutes to hang on and seal their place in the next round.

Origi comes on but Benteke sits on the bench - what does the future hold for him at Anfield? If he has one, that is.

Meanwhile, James Milner has gone down holding his face. This could be worrying with the League Cup on the horizon.

Just as we say that...

Daniel Sturridge makes his way to the touchline - he's put a good shift in

We're past the hour mark at Anfield and Jurgen Klopp may be contemplating a change.

In case you missed it earlier, these are the options he has on the bench:

Subs: Ward, Toure, Benteke, Origi, Smith, Teixeira, Chirivella.

Augsburg are slowly coming back into this. The Germans aren't creating lots of chances but the game has certainly become more even in the last five minutes.

Perhaps this is the ideal scenario for the Bundesliga outfit. Remember, a goal for Augsburg now would eliminate Liverpool, who for all of their dominance, are living on thin ice.

Liverpool are huffing and puffing, but they still can't blow Augsburg's house down. It's one-way stuff for the moment, though.

We've played 55 minutes at Anfield...

Even though the score remains at 1-0, Jurgen Klopp must be pleased with his side so far tonight.

They have been energetic, creative and entertaining. They just need to add another goal or two in order to put some gloss on this head-turning display.

Once again, Liverpool are on the front foot, with Coutinho taking a shot from distance that just loops over the bar.

And then seconds later, Sturridge, squirming free inside the area, shoots just wide of the post. You'd have backed him from there nine times out of ten.

Anyway, we're back underway at Anfield. Liverpool, remember, have a one-goal advantage to hang on to (or extend).

It'll be interesting to see how Jurgen Klopp plays the situation in the second half. With the League Cup final looming, he might want to rest one or two of his stars.

For that reason, an early goal would be very welcome indeed.

Other half-time scores in the Europa League tonight:

• Ath Bilbao 0-1 Marseille (Agg 1-1)

• Bayer Levkn 1-1 Sporting (Agg 2-1)

• Schalke 0-1 Shakt Donsk (Agg 0-1)

• FK Krasnodar 0-0 Sparta Prague (Agg 0-1)

Half-time: Liverpool 1-0 FC Augsburg

Henderson is back on and the Anfield crowd is in full voice once more. They have good reason to be enjoying themselves.

The Reds have been very impressive, with the likes of Sturridge and Coutinho really excelling.

In truth, they deserve more than a 1-0 lead, but I'm sure they'll take it for the time being.

Jordan Henderson has stayed down after he was involved in a clash. Not entirely sure what's the problem.

But a stretcher is being readied, which is worrying news for Jurgen Klopp. No, it looks like he is growing to grin and bear it.

Sturridge strikes the post after Firmino goes flying up the right side. He cut the ball back, but Sturridge's effort was pushed onto the post.

So nearly nearly 2-0 and a bit of daylight for the Reds.

Well, just as we say that, Lucas gives away a brainless backpass that Caiuby latches on to, leaving the Liverpool goalkeeper woefully short.

Thankfully for the Anfield faithful, there was not enough power on his shot to find the net. Liverpool survive.

We've played around 35 minutes at Anfield and the game has, for the most part, been dominated by the Reds.

But while the score remains at 1-1, Jurgen Klopp won't be able to sit easy. He'll want another goal before the break.

Liverpool are playing some really enjoyable football going forward - the away side are having to defend for their lives to keep it at 1-0.

A the other end, though, some of the Reds' long-time defensive weaknesses are still evident. That's what makes this team, and this tie, so engrossing.

Liverpool will be desperate to put another goal between themselves and Augsburg.

Clyne is having the time of his life on the right side. He has so much space to whip in a ball, but his decision-making has failed him thus far.

It only feels like a matter of time...

Well, just as I type that, Liverpool almost make it two: a ball comes in from the left side and Firmino's effort is spectacularly saved by the keeper.

It's pretty much one-way stuff at the moment.

The latest sweeping move ends with Clyne's effort taking a slight deflection and just going wide of the post.

Ohhhh, this should have been a second for Liverpool.

Sturridge and Coutinho combine neatly - the Brazilian looks sure to score, but his effort goes straight at the goalkeeper.

He should have buried that, in all honesty, but Augsburg survive.

After all of the pre-match hype about Daniel Sturridge, the striker has made a cracking start to this match, rotating with Liverpool's other forward players in dangerous fashion.

The England man has showed a few neat touches and has already reminded fans why he's one of English football's brightest stars.

If only he could stay fit, eh...

The more replays you see of the penalty incident, the more difficult it is to fathom. There was absolutely no need to do it - it wasn't like there was a Liverpool player waiting to score. Odd.

Back on the field, meanwhile, and Liverpool are continuing to dominate, pushing for a second goal.

James Milner struck that penalty without showing any sign of nerves. His goal is the difference between the two sides at the moment, remember.

One notable feature of the game so far is Nathaniel Clyne's eagerness to get down the right side.

He is basically playing like an old fashioned winger at the moment. He is a consistent 'out ball', too.

Despite that, the German side are sure to be a threat on the break.

We're ten minutes into this one and it promises to be a cracking game, if what we've seen thus far is any measure.

Liverpool are playing some eye-catching stuff at the moment, popping the ball around with plenty of style.

You can see that Jurgen Klopp is starting to put his mark on his team, even though they remain a work in progress.

The game has started in a very energetic fashion, both teams appear committed to scoring goals.

The Reds certainly look capable of finding the net again, with Firmino finding himself in pockets of space in front of the Augsburg back four.

Milner has given the Reds the lead from 12 yards. His penalty was driven low into the corner of the net, leaving the keeper with no chance.

Very odd penalty incident, though. There appeared to be no need for an Augsburg player to handle the ball. A simple header clear would have been sufficient.

Anyway, Liverpool won't be complaining.

GOAL: Liverpool 1-0 FC Augsburg (Milner)

Penalty to Liverpool

The ball is swung over from the right side. It strikes a defender's arm - seems soft, though.

The hosts almost concede the first goal within seconds. The Germans spring on them and Caiuby appears through...

But he flashes his shot high over the bar. A warning sign for the Reds, that.

Cracking atmosphere at Anfield, as there always is on a European night. Liverpool have picked a strong side, one which should score goals this evening.

Jurgen Klopp will be praying for a fast start from his team tonight, with the League Cup final on the horizon.

Anyway, we're underway on Merseyside...

Anyway, the build up is done - we're moments away from kick-off at Anfield...

Jurgen Klopp was an unhappy manager after the Europa League game last week.

"We should be realistic, the result is good. In a Europa League first leg away game that's absolutely OK. We had a few good moments, we could have scored goals. As a complete game, I'm not satisfied to be honest," he said.

"You see we fight for consistency. It's a really hard fight. It's a long way... Even in the game, it's 'wow, wow, wow and then OK, what happened now?' and that's what we have to stop.

"We always let them come a little bit back in the game and it's not necessary. We have the rematch next week at Anfield and that's good for us. I'm not 100% happy with this game."

Will he be any happier at the end of tonight?

Team Form

Augsburg

Last Five: W D L L D
Last Result: Augsburg 1-0 Hannover

Liverpool

Last Five: D W L D L
Last Result: Augsburg 0-0 Liverpool

There are plenty of other Europa League ties going on this evening - we'll be keeping you on top of the other fixtures, too.

But our primary focus will be on Anfield tonight, where Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to take the Reds into the last 16 of the competition.

Ahead of the game, Liverpool legend Alan Hansen has been offering his thoughts on the club's current state.

"These players are not going to win the league, so realistically they probably need five major signings," the Liverpool hero said, according to The Independent.

"Jurgen Klopp will have taken the job already knowing who he wants to bring in. The owners have brought him in and now they need to back him, but the problem is the money.

"From what I understand Fenway Sports Group have told the manager it is not a bottomless pit. So the problem he might have is that the owners have invested so much already, will they be reluctant to do it again? They have spent a lot – £20m on Lazar Markovic and then he was sent out on loan.

"You could say they need to spend £100m but where does that get you in today's market? If they are going to have a real go, it needs to be more like £200m – but you can't just snap your fingers and solve the problem."

Despite their recent troubles, Anfield remains one of the most mythical stadiums in Europe for visiting teams.

The Reds have a proud record at home and will be keen to continue that tonight against their German opponents.

The players are out on the pitch at the moment, going through their last-minute preparations.

The floodlights are on at Anfield and Reds fans will be keen to see if their much-vaunted front three can create much havoc.

Right, around 20 minutes to go until the start of the game. Liverpool will be looking for a fast start to get the Anfield crowd behind them.

A goalless draw in the first leg wasn't necessarily a bad result, but it leaves them in a tricky position.

The much-discussed striker added: "I am very ambitious. I am determined to help Liverpool have success.Totally focused. I want to be on the pitch every game.

"When I am not playing I am devastated. I'm not just at home or out with my friends chilling. All I want to do is play football."

Daniel Sturridge was surprisingly the man asked to do the pre-match press conference yesterday. Everyone was interested to hear what he would say, of course, because of his recent injury woes.

The Liverpool striker dismissed rumours over a potential summer exit and revealed he is looking forward to the future at Anfield.

The 26-year-old has endured another injury-plagued campaign, with his return from hip surgery quickly thwarted by knee and hamstring problems.

He said: "I don't listen to social media. To say a player doesn't want to play is the biggest disrespect you can say to any footballer. Nobody knows how much it means to me to play football. I will continue to do my best and focus on playing for Liverpool.

"In life there are times when you have great periods, times when you have difficult periods. I have never worried about it. I am blessed by God and I have no stresses. I have come a long way from Birmingham. I am good."

The away side have handed in their teamsheet, too. Here are the names for you...

Augsburg: Hitz, Verhaegh, Janker, Klavan, Stafylidis, Kohr, Esswein, Koo, Altintop, Werner, Caiuby.

Subs: Manninger, Opare, Parker, Moravek, Bobadilla, Max, Rieder

So, with a front three of Sturridge, Firmino and Coutinho in their ranks, Liverpool ought to pose a real threat in front of goal.

Certainly, this ought to be a more lively affair than was the case for the first leg, which ended goalless.

Breaking Team News:

Liverpool have named a strong-looking line-up for tonight's game at Anfield. It reads as follows:

Liverpool: Mignolet, Clyne, Lucas, Sakho, Moreno, Can, Henderson, Milner, Firmino, Coutinho, Sturridge.

Subs: Ward, Toure, Benteke, Origi, Smith, Teixeira, Chirivella.

Good evening and welcome to our coverage of Liverpool's Europa League second leg game against Augsburg at Anfield. The tie is delicately poised at the moment, at 0-0, but Liverpool will be hoping home advantage will prove to be the difference tonight.

We'll bring you the eagerly-awaited team news in a few minutes, so stay tuned for that. In the meantime, we'll also have plenty of coverage for you in the way of pre-match build-up.