Reaction: Ludogorets Razgrad 2-2 Liverpool

1. Mignolet at fault for Ludogorets opener
2. Reds need to beat Basel in final game
3. Basel defeated by Real Madrid on Wednesday
4. Midweek Final Score with 5 live reaction - press play button

Ok then, time to bring our coverage of the game to an end. Liverpool live to fight another day, with everything set up for a superb encounter between the Reds and Basel in their final Group B game next month.

I'll leave you with the report from tonight's game and watch out for further reaction later this evening. Cheers.

Mark Lawrenson, former Liverpool defender, on BBC 5 live

On whether Liverpool will stick by Brendan Rodgers: "I don't think there's any doubt about that.

"It's got even more knee-jerk. You lose a game, you're an idiot, you win and you're an absolute hero. I don't think there's any great clamour from the owners to get rid of him. This is his time, when you're not winning games, for him to show what he can do as a manager.

"I think the time to judge Liverpool will be when they have Daniel Sturridge back and he has been back for six to 10 matches."

It is a sign of how disappointing this season has been that Brendan Rodgers was in pretty positive mood about a draw with Ludogrets, but you sense the players are firmly behind him.

He said that this was the game that could change their season, but will that now be the crucial fixture against Basel on 9 December at Anfield? Massive game.

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Kieran Blair Friel: LFC fans calling for Rodgers are delusional, he has taken us from nowhere to being one win away from the last 16. Keep the faith.

Lfcway: For a manager who achieved so much last season, give the guy some respect. Premature to say Rodgers has to go.

Bradders: The problem with Liverpool is not the manager. LFC players are not up to scratch. Need change, especially goalie.

Mark Lawrenson, former Liverpool defender, on BBC 5 live

On Mario Balotelli: "If you don't get the ball into him, he turns around and gesticulates. You can't do that. You can't demean your team-mates.

"I don't think you will ever turn him into the player a lot of people think he can be. He's just a show pony."

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Rickie Lambert had one shot all game and it resulted in a goal. He has scored in League Two, League One, Championship, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and now Champions League. Four years ago he was scoring in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

It has been said and said again, but what a rise - should he now keep Mario Baloltelli out of the team?

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Jim in Wimbledon: I think people are being a bit harsh on Liverpool. Real Madrid, who won this competition last year, only beat Ludogorets 2-1. Liverpool were disappointing to concede so late on but an away draw isn't all doom and gloom.

Conor McCrisken in Belfast: Tonight proved Steven Gerrard's days are numbered. In a more defensive role he has been average this season. Pushed further forward tonight and he was even worse. Rodgers needs to man up and drop the captain. His job depends on it.

Macca in great Yarmouth: Rodgers has to go. It just proves at the moment Luis Suarez got them into this competition and nearly won them the league last season.

Manager reaction

More from Brendan Rodgers: "We showed wonderful resilience and scored two good goals.

"I picked players I know what they are capable of. In time the new players will adapt to how we work. This is a real confidence boost for us, because Ludogorets are a really difficult team to play against."

On taking off Raheem Sterling towards the end: "Raheem had a sore tummy. He was buckled over in pain for about six minutes and needed to come off."

Manager reaction

EPA

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, speaking to Sky Sports: "To go a goal behind so early on you really need a team that is together and I think the character of the team came out.

"We spoke before the game that this needs to be the night to change our season and for that we needed to show the character in our team. We are disappointed with the goal we conceded in the end but is irrelevant, we need to beat Basel in the final game."

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The Liverpool area was a sea of red in the final few minutes but still they could not prevent Ludogorets heading home an equaliser from a corner.

Liverpool lost to Basel in the Champions League earlier this season courtesy of a goal scored from a set piece. Pretty clear where Brendan's priorities lie on the training pitch over the next fortnight...

Mark Lawrenson, former Liverpool defender, on BBC 5 live

"Tonight, Liverpool got to 2-1 and there was almost a fear that spread through the team 'we have to protect what we've got'.

"Even Brendan Rodgers started to panic a bit, bringing on Moreno for Sterling. You're saying to the players 'just hold on'. It's clearly not right at the moment but this has to be seen as a step forward for them.

"The Basel game is now a massive game. We know it'll be a fantastic night in terms of atmosphere. We always thought the Basel game would be the big one. What kind of form they'll be in, who knows?"

Player reaction

Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert, who scored his first Champions League goal, tells Sky Sports: "It was my first start in the Champions League and it was good to score. We are devastated about the goal at the end but it was about the performance today - win, lose or draw - and the performance was better.

"We have answered some of our critics about Sunday against Crystal Palace. It was about the win and we almost got it. Now we have to go for an even better performance on Saturday."

AFP

Player reaction

Liverpool scorer Jordan Henderson, speaking to Sky Sports: "We knew it would be a tough game, they are a very good team technically but we showed great character to stay in the game, we looked dangerous on the counter and were more solid tonight but disappointed to concede late on.

"Bravery is about getting on the ball as well - having the confidence to do that when you are a goal down and I felt we did that. There were a lot of positives tonight but we still have a long way to go to get where we want to be."

EPA

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Dave Fassam: Shameful is the only way to describe that Liverpool performance! No urgency, no inventiveness, NO DESIRE! An absolute disgrace.

Joel_Ubuntu: Dear Brendan, I think it's time we part ways, we've had enough of you, you don't seem to get it right anymore.

Elsewhere in Europe

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Some good news for Liverpool fans, Real Madrid have sealed a 1-0 win in Basel courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo's goal to mean that the Reds only need to beat the Swiss side at Anfield to go through from Group B.

Carlos Tevez wrapped up victory for Juventus in Malmo with a comfortable finish after breaching the offside trap. The Italians are in pole position to qualify from Group A with Atletico Madrid who completed a comfortable passage into the knockout stages with a 4-0 win over Olympiakos.

Meanwhile Monaco beat Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 in Group C while Anderlecht's 2-0 victory over Galatasaray has become academic in Group D with both Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund qualifying.

While Liverpool must wait another round to know their Champions League fate, Arsenal are through to the knockout stage once again. They have beaten Borussia Dortmund 2-0 and even Yaya Sanogo got on the scoresheet. Great night all round.

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Ben Phillips: How is this team expected to win against Basel in such a winner takes all game.

Robert Saunders: Can anyone think of a team that has deteriorated as quickly and dramatically as Liverpool have in six months?

FULL-TIME

That's it, and a disappointing result for Liverpool, although it does not affect their qualification chances as things stand.

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This is how the group looks as things stand. A win for Liverpool against Basel in the final game will secure second. Ludogorets, though, are the team in the ascendency at the moment.

Mark Lawrenson

Football Liverpool defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"Liverpool tried to protect the lead but as we know defensively they are not capable of doing so."

Three minutes of added time. Can Liverpool regain the lead?

EPA

Football social

BBC Radio 5 live

What have you made of this evening's action?

Have Liverpool turned a corner (not sure about that)? Brendan Rodgers said that the season starts tonight - has it?

And talking of the start of great things, with Yaya Sanogo scoring his first goal for Arsenal, do you expect to see him regularly? Or at the very least, has he justified his selection?

Have your say on the 5 live Football Social from 10pm on http://bbc.co.uk/5live. Text 85058 or Call 0500 909 693.

The phones lines are open now - and Mark Pougatch wants to hear from you.

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Kevin Macdonagh: Why oh why isn't Lucas starting in the Premier League? Offers so much more protection to the defence.

Kuni Poonasamy: Take Johnson off before he costs us the game. Let Coutinho or Lallana on for Sterling fresh legs to run at the defence.

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John: Liverpool are a team with zero confidence at the moment. Their defensive line dropped deeper and deeper the longer the game went on and in the end their nervousness and lack of defensive organisation or confidence has shown. This side is unrecognisable from the free-flowing attacking team of six months ago.

This doesn't change things in terms of Liverpool needing to beat Basel in the final group game, but they will be hoping Real Madrid can hang on to their 1-0 advantage over the Swiss side in tonight's other Group B game.

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Chris Parker: Well that had been coming...

GOAL

Well, this has been coming. Liverpool have been stuck firmly inside their own half and they are punished as Georgi Terziev powers home a header from a corner.

Reuters

Mark Lawrenson

Former Liverpool defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"Deeper and deeper Liverpool go."

SUBSTITUTION

That's it for Raheem Sterling as Brendan Rodgers takes off the tiring forward and replaces him with Alberto Moreno.

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Douglas McMahon: Kolo Toure - like watching a clown wandering through a mine field.

EPM: Another Liverpool match, another night hiding behind the sofa.

Maria James: I can smell a Ludogorets equalisers. Liverpool need to get this done and dusted.

CLOSE!

A good chance for Liverpool to put this game to bed as Steven Gerrard sends Raheem Sterling away, but the forward definitely does not look like himself as his low shot is straight at the Ludogorets keeper.

SUBSTITUTION

Ludogorets are going for it as they make their final change of the game, midfielder Fabio Espinho replaced by forward Younes Hamza and the home side have put two players up in attack.

Elsewhere in Europe

A potential minor shock on the cards in Group C as Monaco take the lead in Bayer Leverkusen with their first shot on goal all evening. Lucas Ocampos had only been on the field two minutes when he slotted home a Nabil Dirar cross from the right.

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Raheem Sterling has been Liverpool's best player in this half but he looks to be struggling a bit now after being on the end of a couple of hefty challenges. He runs a little gingerly as Ludogorets again come forward with the game entering the closing stages.

Reuters

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Max Welford: Yeah, Gerrard. OK the 10 really isn't working. Nor does he in any other position! Bring in the new spice !!

Aaron Johal: Raheem Sterling looks like he has finally woken up since all that England nonsense!

The introduction of fresh legs has perked Ludogorets up and Liverpool have some defending to do as Cosmin Moti's deflected shot is just wide, before Junior Quixada has a go at goal, but misses the target. Some better quality in attack and Liverpool would be in a bit of bother.

SUBSTITUTION

Another change for Ludogorets as Mihail Alexandrov is replaced by another Brazilian substitute - midfielder Wanderson.

Raheem Sterling leads a swift Liverpool counter as he runs at retreating Ludogorets players. He then feeds a pass to Steven Gerrard, who in turn finds Jordan Henderson, but his shot from outside the area drifts wide of the target.

AFP

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Nic Billot: Now's the time for Coutinho and Borini to come on for Gerrard and Lambert. Loads more space up top as Ludogorets chase the game.

Dick Twittington: It's as if Mignolet is trying to hold on to an egg covered in jelly, blindfolded and with his hands tied behind his back.

Joel_Ubuntu: I hope our season kick-starts tonight, we really need a win to boost our morale no matter how bad we play.

Elsewhere in Europe

Mario Mandzukic has scored a hat-trick for Atletico Madrid to make it 4-0 against Olympiakos in Group A. The Croatian striker netted his second on 62 minutes heading in from Arda Turan's cross and then nodded home a Gabi free kick three minutes later.

AFP

SUBSTITUTION

The home side make a change as Dani Abalo goes off, to be replaced by Brazil-born forward Junior Quixada.

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Darius Basu: Considering Mourinho's abandoned his bus this season, can we (Liverpool) borrow it for now. On loan/transfer anything.

Stevey Gee Sings: Couple of LFC goals now to get that goal difference up, into 2nd place. Come on Redmen!

Mark Lawrenson

Former Liverpool defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"Raheem Sterling again ran at the full-back and went past him so easily. Liverpool must keep giving the ball to him - he's making things happen."

Oh my. Jordan Henderson's blushes are spared by the referee's whistle as Raheem Sterling races into the area, clips the ball over the goalkeeper and to the far post where Rickie Lambert's header is blocked in front of goal. Henderson, though, blazes the follow-up over the bar from barely six yard but, fortunately for the midfielder, a free-kick to Ludogorets had already been given.

EPA

Mark Lawrenson

Former Liverpool defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"Steven Gerrard has been good tonight, he has been bright and his passing is great. What will be interesting is when Daniel Sturridge is fit, will they keep Gerrard in there?"

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Lucky escape for Liverpool? Glen Johnson is penalised for a foul on Mihail Alexandrov, the referee awards a free-kick just outside the area, but it looked like to may have occurred in the area. The free-kick is then curled just over the bar, but Ludogorets will probably feel they should have had a penalty.

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Umer: Can't take eyes of the Liverpool game until they score another four goals at least!

Chris Hall: Liverpool are huffing and puffing but will probably pull this off.

Arsenal score again and it is a more familiar name on the scoresheet as Alexis Sanchez curls the ball into the far corner. Find out more in our dedicated live coverage of that game.

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Elsewhere in Europe

Juventus have put themselves in pole position to join Atletico Madrid from Group A in the knockout stages. Fernando Llorente has burst through the Malmo defence from Claudio Marchisio's through ball four minutes into the second half to break the deadlock in Sweden. Malmo will be eliminated as things stand.

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Steven Gerrard curls in a free-kick towards the far post, but Ludogorets keeper Vladislav Stoyanov strides off his line to claim the ball. Rickie Lambert then tries to send Raheem Sterling away, but the youngster is stopped in his tracks by a booming, but fair, challenge.

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James, London: These fickle fans are forgetful as well. Have you completely forgotten Reina's two seasons before we loaned him to Napoli? He was making just as many mistakes as Mignolet. In fact many fans were starting to turn on him before we loaned him!

Lazza the Red: Bring back Rafa-the-Gaffa: All is forgiven!

Leon Liverpool: No English teams won a fortnight ago, can they all do it this time around?

There is not really an indication yet that Liverpool are aiming to build on their slender advantage as Steven Gerrard casually feeds a pass to Raheem Sterling, who lazily juggles the ball in front of an opponent and subsequently loses possession.

Even a draw won't change the scenario for Liverpool in the final group game as things stand. Simply put, they will need to beat Basel to take second - as long as the Swiss side are beaten by Real tonight - but a win against Ludogorets would certainly do their confidence some good.

EPA

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Glyn Jones: Liverpool should bring on Coutinho and Lallana on in the 2nd half to bring more threat to the attack.

Govind Ashwin: Play on the counter, you Reds.

Scott Parnell: Liverpool need another goal. Gotta think that they are going to concede again. I am a patient but Mignolet not good. enough

Ludogorets have to win this to keep their hopes of clinching second alive and they are straight on the attack as Dani Abalo sends a dipping shot wide.

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Gary Lineker

BBC Sport

On Twitter: Ancelotti says when Ronaldo starts it's the equivalent of a one goal start. Correct again, Carlo.

KICK-OFF

If results stay the same then, whatever happens in the final round of games, Liverpool will likely secure a Europa League place as absolute minimum. Every cloud and all that.

Second half under way.

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Umer: A real test of Liverpool defensive credentials now. Can they hold this lead to the end?

Half-time stats

BBC

It has been a tight game, but can Liverpool go on to take control in the second half? Full BBC Radio 5 live commentary is available by clicking the Live Coverage tab at the top of this page.

Mark Lawrenson

Former Liverpool defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"Liverpool, obviously, are pleased to go into half-time 2-1 ahead after going behind so early.

"It has been a bitty game and the pitch is not good, which is not conducive to first time passing. Liverpool were reeling after conceding but got back into game quickly. I think there are more goals in this for them after the break."

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So far, so good

Everything is hunky-dory for Premier League teams in Champions League action tonight, with Arsenal winning 1-0 at the break. You can find out more by heading over to our dedicated live coverage of that game.

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Dennis: That's the future right there, Sterling to Henderson.

James Dinsdale: Is Brad Jones finally going to get a chance to prove himself?

HALF-TIME

It has not been a classic, far from it, but it is so far so good as far as Liverpool are concerned. They've dug deep to get themselves out of a hole after Ludogorets' early opener.

Elsewhere in Europe

Atletico Madrid are now cruising into the knockout stages after Mario Mandzukic gives them a 2-0 lead over Olympiakos in Group A. Alberto Botia cannot clear a Cristian Ansaldi cross and Mandzukic capitalises. It remains goalless in the other Group A game between Malmo and Juventus and the Group C encounter between Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco.

In Group D, Anderlecht have taken the lead through Chancel Mbemba Mangulu a minute before the break against Galatasaray.

AFP

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Mike Hoyer: Mark Lawrenson looking the football genius. Pick Lambert he says. And Rickie scores like a true #9

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Mark Lawrenson

Former Liverpool defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"This is a bit of a nothing game. The quality is not great, the pitch is not great. Very much cat and mouse."

Group B - As it stands

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It looked bleak after two minutes, but how good does that table look now Liverpool fans? The Reds are level with Basel on six points as it stands, with the two sides meeting at Anfield in the final group game next month.

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It might be cold out there, but plenty of reason to smile now.

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Some Body: WOOOOOO!!! Sterling-Henderson! THAT's the way to do it! A proper goal and about time Now rock ON!

Mark Lawrenson

Former Liverpool defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"Classic counter attacking goal. Raheem Sterling got the ball on the left, slowed down the full-back right down and then eased past him with a sudden burst of speed. It was a great ball across the six-yard box. It was almost saying 'pass me into the net' - and that's what Henderson did.

"Now it is important that Liverpool go in at half-time, at the very worst, 2-1 up."

Good news from Basel

Reuters

Yep, it gets even better as Real Madrid take a 1-0 lead in Basel. It is, who else, Cristiano Ronaldo in the 35th minute as he taps in from Karim Benzema's pullback. Ronaldo is now three goals behind Lionel Messi's Champions League record and has now scored in 11 consecutive away games in the competition plus last season's final.

GOAL

Liverpool have not had as much as a sniff of goal since Rickie Lambert equalised, but some wonderful football by Raheem Sterling helps them take the lead as he curls a ball behind the Ludogorets defence towards Jordan Henderson, who hooks the ball into the net from a tight angle. Great news for the Reds, and it is about to get even better...

Reuters

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Mark Hall: Mignolet out, Petr Cech in!

Irish Rover: Is there a goalkeeper in the world who would look good/confident in front of that Liverpool back four!

Darius Basu: Can we stop discussing Mignolet for now?

Lucas concedes a free-kick about 30 yards from goal and Fabio Espinho takes it, the bounce is awkward and ironic cheers from the home crowd ensue as Simon Mignolet briefly fumbles, but quickly smothers the ball against his chest.

EPA

Stat attack

Liverpool have conceded their fastest Champions League goal since their 2005 final against AC Milan when Paolo Maldini scored a first-minute opening goal. (And you know what happened that night.)

There is a real lack of fluidity to Liverpool's attack at the moment with players rarely attempting a forward pass. The lack of urgency is all well and good but, as it stands, if Basel score against Real Madrid then the Reds face the distinct possibility of an early elimination.

Mark Lawrenson

Former Liverpool defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"At the moment Ludogorets are shading it in terms of possession and look dangerous on the break. I think they have got more attacking options than Liverpool. But, after conceding and going behind so early, the good thing for Liverpool is that they have got themselves level."

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Max Welford: Toure's dedication and enthusiasm is great and has a massive impact on the all round defence. Better than Lovren and Skrtel.

PaulV: Watching this through my fingers. Liverpool are terrifyingly poor at the moment.

Nic Billot: Liverpool's lack of pace in comparison to Ludogoret's is frightening. LFC all over the place at the back

Hearts-in-mouths moment for the travelling Liverpool fans as Simon Mignolet comes out to punch away a free-kick, he misses, but fortunately for the away side the ball does not end up in the back of the net.

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Liverpool may be firmly on the back foot at the moment but the good news from over in Switzerland is that Real Madrid are well on top against Basel. It is still goalless though.

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Stop The Pidgeon: We desperately need to sign Cech in January, Mignolet not up to it.

Simon Cooper: Remind me again why the transfer geniuses paid £9m for Mignolet & let legend Reina go??? Heads should roll for our transfers.

Aaron mortimore: I feel sorry for Mignolet having all this abuse yes he's made a few mistakes but he a good keeper look at hart its the same

Kolo Toure breathes a huge sigh of relief as he stabs a cross inches wide of his own goal. All Ludogorets at the moment.

Ludogorets seem to be channelling their attacks towards Martin Skrtel and it is certainly causing Liverpool problems as Dani Abalo cleverly backheels the ball on the left of the area for Virgil Misidjan, but his low ball is stabbed away by Kolo Toure inside the area.

Elsewhere in Europe

In Group A, Atletico Madrid have taken the lead and it has come from another defensive error. Olympiakos goalkeeper Roberto inexplicably plays the ball straight to Juanfran who crossed to Raul Garcia who had a tap in.

Reuters

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John Knox: It that enough evidence to play Lambert over Balotelli?

Nicolaas Wellens: Give Mignolet time! If he didn't save that penalty against Stoke last year, Liverpool would not have had that run to 2nd place!

Govind Ashwin: Lallana and Lambert should play together more often. They have a good understanding.

There are some big gaps in that Liverpool back line at the moment as a ball is prodded through far too easily to Yordan Minev, who is stood alone midway inside the area. He turns, but curls a shot way over the bar.

Rickie Lambert really is living the dream at the moment. Seemingly bought by the club he supports to add depth to the Liverpool squad, he now has two goals in two games. His second wasn't one of the most memorable he'll score, but they all count.

The pace of the game has settled down considerably after that manic start.

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Paul Flattery: #LFC play reminds me of Istanbul so far. Dreadful start, but typical.

Veni. Vidi. Vici: It was all well and good when Mignolet saved a penalty on his debut last season, and now he's the worst keeper ever, psht!

Darius Basu: Now, who wants to argue that Balotelli should start ahead of Lambert? Lambert all the way if our form is to improve.

Elsewhere in Europe

Atletico Madrid will look to secure their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League. The Spanish side need a victory over Olympiakos to guarantee their progress with a game to spare. All four sides can still qualify from Group A with Malmo, currently on three points, hosting Juventus who have six.

Victory for Bayer Leverkusen over Monaco will guarantee their progress from Group C. Russian side Zenit St Petersburg have given their own qualification hopes a major chance with a 1-0 win against Benfica earlier in the day meaning the Portuguese side are unlikely to qualify. Danny scored the goal 11 minutes from time.

AP

Mark Lawrenson

Former Liverpool defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"That's a real striker's goal. The ball bounced up and looked like the Ludogorets defender was favourite. But he stood off and Lambert gambled. It was a deft touch and almost went in in slow motion. Defensively, that was almost as bad a goal to concede as Liverpool's."

GOAL

Crazy, crazy start to the game as Liverpool hit back. It's embarrassing stuff from the Ludogorets defenders, though, as they meekly head a long Jordan Henderson ball in no particular direction in the middle of the area and Rickie Lambert gleefully jumps in to nod home.

AFP

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Jonny Green: Why Liverpool persist with one of the worst goalkeepers in the Premier League is beyond me.

Liam Stones: I've heard the words "mistake by Mignolet" more times this season than i've heard the words "Goal by #LFC ".

Khalid: Time for #LFC to get rid of Mignolet, can't remember a single commanding game since he signed.

Do not adjust your monitor or wipe your mobile phone screens, Yaya Sanogo has indeed scored for Arsenal. They lead Borussia Dortmund 1-0 and you can follow that game via our separate live coverage page.

Mark Lawrenson

Former Liverpool defender on BBC Radio 5 live

"Liverpool's players are complaining that Raheem Sterling was fouled on the edge of the Ludogorets area, but forget about that - the ball travelled a long way from there.

"It was a strange way of trying to complete the save, it seemed to come off Simon Mignolet's chest. A calamitous start for Liverpool. Mignolet has not had a great start to the season, but he is not being pushed by anyone. That's the problem for me."

GOAL

Disastrous start for Liverpool and one that will have Bruce Grobbelaar fuming. Kolo Toure stabs a clearance straight to Marcelinho outside the area and his dipping shot is straight at Simon Mignolet, who fumbles the ball straight to Dani Abalo and he sweeps home.

Reuters

KICK-OFF

Liverpool get things under way to a chorus of boos from the home crowd.

"Lambert should start more"

Mark Lawrenson

Football Analyst on Focus Forum

"They sign Rickie Lambert, who scored goals on a regular basis for a good Southampton team last season. He is a good footballer and they have this thing now with Balotelli that he has to play, but I am sorry all day long I would play Lambert.

"If Balotelli is not playing well, even sometimes not even trying, hook him off!"

There will be no need to bring the hook out Lawro, Lambert starts in the place of the injured Balotelli today.

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HarryBanty: No matter who Rodgers starts or plays, Liverpool fans will always have a case. Get behind the team and stop making excuses.

srawlinson: After the fantastic efforts to get into the CL, it's just so disappointing that it's all gone so flat now.

Joel Ejike 'Madiba': Brendan is in a very tight corner, results need to be going Pool's way starting from tonight, else he will be out before January.

It looks as chilly as a Manchester evening over in Sofia as the player walk out on to the pitch. Here we go then, potentially a big 90 minutes ahead for Liverpool.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, speaking to Sky Sports before the game: "Our plan is to make sure we do our own job here. It will be a tough game but we put the concentration on ourselves first. We need to make sure we are ultra competitive in the game.

"Our season starts tonight. We must make a better story than we have so far."

"Where are the goals?"

Mark Lawrenson

Football Analyst on Focus Forum

BBC

"Ludogrets did surprise everyone when they came to Anfield, they are extremely well coached. This is not their home ground, though, they have to go to Sofia, and I think that helps Liverpool.

"At the moment though, Liverpool cannot buy a goal. I cannot see where that goal is coming from."

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Joseph Trotter: If Gerrard is the answer to all of Liverpool's problems, attack or defence, presumably he will be in goal at the weekend.

Jamie Bolton: If we lose tonight Brendan has to go. I've been a massive supporter of the man but a loss tonight is unacceptable.

David Carville: Emre Can is exactly the kind of player Liverpool need right now. Strong enough to drive the ball forward and take on his man!

Ludo on the European board

Less than 13 years later, Liverpool and Ludogorets are competing on a level European playing field.

The Bulgarians, who derive their name from the Ludogorie area - which translates as the 'region of wild forests', have enjoyed a rapid rise following current owner Kiril Domuschiev's takeover in 2010.

The Eagles were crowned Bulgarian champions for the first time two years later, sparking a three-season stranglehold on the top prize. This is their maiden campaign in the Champions League group stage and know they must beat Liverpool to stand any chance of reaching the last 16.

Tonight's tie takes place at Sofia's Vasil Levski National Stadium - 400km from Razgrad because the Ludogorets Arena does not meet Uefa requirements.

Liverpool's triple decker

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Cast your mind back to June 2001. A summer when Liverpool fans were still basking in the glory of Gerard Houllier's side winning, not one, not two, but THREE cup competitions.

That's right, the Reds finished the 2000-2001 season as Uefa Cup, FA Cup and League Cup winners. And it was a campaign where promising 21-year-old midfielder Steven Gerrard was named PFA Young Player of the Year.

That same month saw the creation of a new Bulgarian club called Ludogorets Razgrad....

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Know the score

Don't forget you can stay across all of tonight's action with Midweek Final Score. Just click the play button at the top of the page.

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Finian in Peterborough: I think Liverpool's bad defence was there last season, but just Suarez leaving has highlighted that things need to happen.

Mo in Manchester: Only Rodgers has this sort of Logic: don't start Can, Coutinho and even Borini. Yet start Allen, Sterling, Johnson who have performed awfully in the last few weeks. Seriously why defend him?

Ave in Bristol: Rodgers' 4-4-2 diamond system was a revelation last season. It got the best out of SAS, and put us in a position that we had no right to e. Chelsea have Costa, City have Aguero, we need one big name striker to get results. Not better tactics.

Mark Lawrenson on 5 live

On Liverpool's defensive frailties: "As much as anything, it's about communication - making sure you're not dragged out of position.

"One of the problems is Martin Skrtel doesn't communicate very well. He's not been able to help Dejan Lovren. He has to fully concentrate on his own game to make sure he gets the best out of himself.

"You should be able to sort your defending out within in an hour on the training ground."

Kolo the answer

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Liverpool have been shipping goals all over the place this season, with their defence having been breached 24 times in 16 Premier League and Champions League games this season.

It's not something I thought I'd ever say but Kolo Toure had Cristiano Ronaldo in his back pocket in the narrow 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid earlier the month, and he is reinstated to the starting XI for this game.

A one off? We'll know soon enough.

"Not quite a dream return"

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder

BBC

"Everyone thought Liverpool would blow Ludogrets out of the water at the start of the competition and there would be this dream return to the Champions League but it has not quite happened.

"They still have a chance, though, if they get a result against Ludogorets and hope Basel slip up, although Basel have been very strong at home."

Hear more from Jermaine Jenas, Mark Lawrenson and Dan Walker about Liverpool's qualification chances on Focus Forum.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

John Petty: Can't believe Lallana is on the bench for Liverpool tonight. Has he really gone from hero to zero since leaving Southampton?

Andrew Keenan: How does Emre Can not get a game? Surely he earned a start after his performance against Chelsea.

Rakshit Shetty: Why on earth is Johnson in the team after such poor performance on Saturday? The weak link in this Liverpool squad.

'Blame the players'

EPA

"It is totally down to the players," says Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert, who scored his first goal for the club at Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"They are desperate to get the game under way and try to rectify our performance at the weekend. Win or lose we have to put in a performance of the standard of a Liverpool team."

Time to turn words into action then lads.

"Players have to step up"

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Former Liverpool boss Roy Evans (pictured above left) has jumped to the aid of Brendan Rodgers, saying the players should shoulder a fair portion of the blame for the Reds' poor form.

"We're in a results industry of course and if you don't get results in football, usually the end comes as a manager," he tells BBC Radio 5 live. "After the success of last season, I think Brendan Rodgers' credibility is really high and obviously this season has been poor by the standards we set last year and somewhere along the line he has to start getting it right. But it's not just about Brendan Rodgers.

"These days, whatever happens in a football club seems to go on to the manager and not the players. They came with glowing reports in the summer but they haven't played to the best of their ability and they have put pressure on Brendan Rodgers. It's time they stepped up to the plate as well and they haven't done that so far."

Managing the 'demise' of Gerrard

Mark Lawrenson

Football Analyst

"Quite clearly Lucas has not caught the eye of the manager but he starts tonight to play that role in front of the back four.

"Steven Gerrard is still as good a passer as anyone in the Premier League. Brendan Rodgers is the fist Liverpool manager to have to manage the slight demise of Gerrard. That is obviously difficult but he would be my first name on the teamsheet because of his passing."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Barneys Blarney: Grobbelaar is spot on about Mignolet and the Liverpool defence. Letting Reina go was a huge mistake. Rodgers to stay for now.

Andrew Keenan: Rodgers completely at fault. He has no plan B and his stubbornness to make Gerrard work as a CDM is forcing him into the 4-2-3-1.

Lewis Beaton: We need a new 'keeper desperately. Mignolet is awful and Brad Jones is even worse.

Opta

It may not have happened for him in a deeper role so far this season, but Steven Gerrard would appear to be playing more advanced tonight.

We need to talk about Steven Gerrard

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Brendan Rodgers is not alone in having the finger of blame waved in his direction recently.

Long-serving Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has managed just three goals all season playing in the deepest midfield role, a position some fans feel he cannot play in.

"I think people expect him to be the player he was 10 years ago and that is simply not the case," says Rodgers.

"He is in at 8.30am every day to prepare for training. I judge him on that and the influence on other players. Every decision he makes is in the interests of Liverpool. He can still contribute at a high level and it is my job to manage how that is."

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Text us on 81111

Marc in Portsmouth: You hear all the time that a point away from home in CL is a good result! Not tonight for Liverpool , they HAVE to win!

AB, a Liverpool fan in Leeds: Liverpool to win 2-1 tonight. Beat stoke, Leicester and Basel in next three games.....let's get behind the Reds and make them mighty again!

Mark Cheshire: Definition of insanity: doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results. What do Gerrard Allen and Johnson have to do to get dropped? And why only one up front?

The Real deal

As you already know (see 18:44), Liverpool need a massive favour from European kings Real Madrid tonight. And Madrid, who have already qualified for the last 16, have no intention of taking their foot off the gas judging by Carlo Ancelotti's team selection.

Cristiano Ronaldo starts. Gareth Bale starts. James Rodriguez starts. Those Basel hearts are beating a little quicker in the dressing room.

Madrid starting XI: Keylor Navas, Arbeloa, Varane, Ramos, Coentrao, Kroos, Isco, Rodriguez, Roanldo, Bale, Benzema.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Richard Beveridge: Anyone who wants Rodgers out is plain ridiculous. The players rate him but aren't playing as well as last season.

How to follow

BBC Radio 5 live

We have full BBC Radio 5 live commentary on the game, with build-up presented by Mark Pougatch under way from 19:00 GMT. You can also listen via the Live Coverage tab towards the top of this page.

Mignolet 'worse than Dracula'

AP

While he was at it, Bruce Grobbelaar also had a pop at current Liverpool number one Simon Mignolet.

"I've likened Mignolet to worse than Dracula because at least Dracula comes out of his coffin now and then," he says. "He seems to stay on his line and that's it. That whole area, not just the six-yard area, is the goalkeeper's."

Harsh or fair, Liverpool fans? As always, send your thoughts over to us via #bbcfootball

"Three weeks to save his job"

BBC

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar is in no doubt who is to blame for the Reds' recent slump.

"If he doesn't do anything in another three weeks, I think the Americans [owners Fenway Sports Group] could do something about it," Grobbelaar said.

"I have always backed Brendan Rodgers but quite frankly, lately, I am starting to slip away."

Watch the full interview with Grobbelaar.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

So then Liverpool fans, what's going on at the Reds and who is to blame? Is Brendan Rodgers still the right man long term? Is this a season of transition?

Fire across your thoughts on all things Liverpool to #bbcfootball, text on 81111 or post a message on the BBC Sport Facebook and Google+ pages.

Liverpool Echo reporter James Pearce on Twitter: "In place for Ludogorets v #LFC . Massive night ahead for the Reds."

James Pearce

Liverpool FC

Liverpool: It's currently all quiet at the Vasil Levski stadium in Sofia ahead of kick off later this evening...

Plenty going on elsewhere

BBC

Lots of Champions League action tonight and plenty to keep the old permutations calculator busy. One is already under way, with Zenit winning 1-0 against Benfica with less than 10 minutes to go. Portugal midfielder Danny's strike moves the Russians into second place, ahead of Monaco's trip to Bayer Leverkusen.

Regular updates on the other games will be dotted throughout this very page, but if you fancy a more in depth coverage of Arsenal's game against Borussia Dortmund then there is a special treat for you, with my colleague Emlyn Begleykeeping an eye on all things Gunners-related.

Group B permutations

BBC

If Liverpool win: They will move on to six points and a win by any margin against Basel in their final group game would secure progression to the last 16, provided Basel fail to beat Real Madrid tonight. If Basel beat Real, Liverpool would have to beat the Swiss side by at least two clear goals, or single-goal win of 2-1 or more, to progress.

If Liverpool draw: They could exit the Champions League tonight with a draw and if Basel beat Real Madrid. The Reds will live to fight another day if they draw and Basel lose or draw.

If Liverpool lose: Defeat tonight means they would need to hope Real beat Basel to avoid elimination. Brendan Rodgers's side would then have to defeat the Swiss side and hope Ludogrets lose to Real, leaving three teams on six points, and then it comes down to points gained between the three sides. In this situation, all three teams would be level on six points in the head-to-head table, meaning it would go down to goal difference in the matches between the teams.

Basically, if Liverpool can just win tonight that would be grand. Ta.

Get the calculators out

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Permutations. Few words strike more fear into the hearts of journalists than the word permutations.

With head-to-head mini-leagues and goal difference potentially playing its part, yesterday had people (mainly me) scratching their heads over what Manchester City's last-minute win against Bayern Munich meant with regards to the permutations that would see them progress.

Tonight is no different, so here is my best attempt to decipher what exactly Liverpool need.

Deep breath, here it comes...

Scrapping the style?

Getty Images

The somewhat dilapidated Vasil Levski National Stadium is hardly the most glamorous of locations to play host to what could be a season-defining game for Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers.

The Reds boss has long been a believer in style over substance, but perhaps as a sign of the growing pressure on him to ignite Liverpool's season, he has indicated his willingness to abandon his football philosophy in this instance in favour of a victory that would keep Champions League progression in his side's hands.

"We would take a scrappy win," he said. "Listen, you can't play perfect football. It is going to be tough here. We want to get a result."

LINE-UPS

Veteran Reds skipper Steven Gerrard starts his second match in four days after boss Brendan Rodgers decides not to rest the 34-year-old. England midfielder Jordan Henderson returns after illness, while Brazil midfielder Lucas and Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure also start.

Liverpool: Mignolet, Manquillo, Skrtel, Toure, Johnson, Lucas, Gerrard, Allen, Henderson, Sterling, Lambert. Subs: Jones, Lovren, Moreno, Coutinho, Can, Borini, Lallana.

"Win could change season"

Brendan Rodgers has little doubt over the importance of this game.

"Sometimes it just takes a game, an action, to change a season for you," he says. "We have to believe that can happen. We haven't been anywhere near our levels. But you can never give up."

Could this prove to be the game that Rodgers, and Liverpool fans, look back on as a pivotal moment?

No hiding place

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It is amazing to think that Liverpool went into the final day of last season with a mathematical chance of securing the Premier League title but now, in November, they are effectively out of the running.

The Reds trail leaders Chelsea by 18 points and are closer to the relegation zone than they are the top of the table. With domestic ambitions faltering, progress in Europe is becoming increasingly important.

It would have been unthinkable at the start of the season, but tonight's game in Bulgaria against Ludogrets could well be the most important fixture of Brendan Rodgers's Liverpool career.

Tick, tock?

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In May this year, Brendan Rodgers climbed on to a stage to rapturous applause from his peers as he collected the LMA Manager of the Year award....

Reuters

...on Sunday, he stood in the dugout at Crystal Palace, drenched and despondent, as Liverpool lost for the fourth successive game.

Such is the fickle nature of football, that the sound of a ticking clock is never too far from the ear of any football manager, even one whose stock was so high just six months ago.

That sound could get a little louder for Rodgers if Liverpool fail to win tonight...