Liverpool's CL knockout phase hopes end with 1-1 Basel draw

Liverpool's Champions League campaign suffered a blow after they were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Basel at Anfield, which ended their hopes of making it to the knockout phase.

Captain Steven Gerrard, who had dragged Liverpool through to victory in a similar situation against OIympiakos at Anfield a decade ago, threatened to do so again when his brilliant late free-kick in the 81st minute equalised Fabian Frei's first-half goal for the Swiss.

Up until Gerrard's equaliser, the home crowd remained silent for long periods except when voicing frustration at a side that has lost its way since coming so close to winning the Premier League last season, The BBC reported.

Liverpool might claim injustice after substitute Lazar Markovic was sent off after coming on and delivering a promising cameo. But once the Serb senselessly raised his arm in the direction of the pursuing Behrang Safari, he was running the risk of a red card.

It is another setback in a disappointing season for manager Brendan Rodgers, who must now rouse players who looked devastated at the final whistle for a Europa League campaign.

Liverpool now has a pivotal week where they face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday and then visit Bournemouth in the Capital One Cup quarterfinal, the report added.