Ian Dennis
BBC Radio 5 live senior football reporter at Anfield

"A controversial sending off. Basically just a swipe of the arm as Lazar Markovic tried to run away from Behrang Safari.

"I don't think he touched him with his fingertips, but the referee has deemed it violent conduct and Liverpool have now lost an attacking player while still needing to score twice."

Steven Gerrard's name is being sung loudly from the Kop now. More in hope than expectation.

If Gerrard can carry his side through from here, time to rename that new stand after him...

Brendan Rodgers cannot believe it, cradling his head in his hands, as substitute Lazar Markovic is shown a straight red card. It's so soft too, Markovic flicking out his arm to fend off Behrang Safari, and the Swedish full-back goes down holding his face. There was minimal contact, but enough for referee Bjorn Kuipers to send the winger off.

What else can go wrong tonight for Liverpool?

Image source, Reuters

Mark in Cheshire: Are we really playing 4-6-0 now? Needing to score twice? They say there is a fine line between genius and insanity.

James in Liverpool: This has the dreaded feeling of Chelsea last year, camped on the edge of the box, cannot score or even create good openings.

Unlucky! Brilliant play from Basel right-back Taulant Xhaka, carving through the centre of the pitch, beating two men for pace and then strength before firing in a left-footed daisy cutter. Low and bobbly, it has Simon Mignolet worried all the way and eventually trickles inches wide of the corner.

Callum Johnstone:, external Taking off the aerial threat that is Rickie Lambert and they start crossing it….. #Clueless

Mo in Manchester: You heard it here first, we'll be 2-0 down by 90 minutes and still be passing across our defence.

Lazar Markovic has raised the crowd at least. He is very direct, looking for the run or shot at every turn, cracking in two efforts from 20 yards which are both well blocked. Entering the last half hour. The third act of this night of drama. Time for some late fireworks?

Simon in Sussex: Joe Allen patrolling the midfield with all the presence and attacking intent of an empty bag of crisps blowing across a playground

Neat play on the edge of the box from Liverpool but again, when Raheem Sterling gets a cross in there is nobody in red inside the penalty box. Too easy to defend against.

Image source, EPA

Ian Dennis
BBC Radio 5 live senior football reporter at Anfield

"They're getting exasperated, the Liverpool supporters as they still need two goals to go through.

"They're lacking that composure in possession and now Raheem Sterling is that focal point in attack after Rickie Lambert was substituted.

"Basel are still attacking and are very organised. Paulo Sousa is telling his team to get back every time they give the ball away."

Lazar Markovic is at least trying out there. Every time he gets the ball he puts his head down and runs for his life, but there is nobody ahead of him and he eventually falls over his own feet. Liverpool look pretty much clueless at the moment.

Forget German efficiency, the Monaco model is the minimalist way to make the last 16.

The French side have scored just two and conceded only one in their first five Group C games. Their sixth, at home to Zenit St Petersburg, is, perhaps unsurprisingly, 0-0 at half-time.

As it stands, Dimitar Berbatov's mob are going through behind Bayer Leverkusen.

Alberto Moreno puts in a fine first-time cross, right into the space where a number nine would be standing. Rickie Lambert was replaced at the break however, so the ball bounces harmlessly away for a throw in on the far side.

Mark Duffell:, external An unproven winger and a full back on. One of Lallana and Coutinho to miss out? Was Brendan watching the first half?

Jamie Warman:, external Did Lovren come with a receipt?

It's Christmas time. Perhaps there is an extended returns period?

Lazar Markovic is out on the right wing. He hasn't delivered since his summer move but a nice brace tonight and all shall be forgiven. The Basel fans are making a right din in the Anfield Road end. They are enjoying this, and it could be at least one more away trip to come for them...

James Brandon:, external Enrique a complete passenger in the first half, not surprised to see him off.

Tom Wylie:, external We need two goals at least so let's bring on a defender and a player who hasn't scored this season! Clueless Rodgers!

A reminder of how Liverpool now line up. Looks like Raheem Sterling is playing up front, but there is no out-and-out striker. Switched on? Or stupid?

Liverpool XI: Mignolet, Johnson, Moreno, Lovren, Skrtel, Lucas, Allen, Henderson, Gerrard, Sterling, Markovic.

Under way at a sodden Anfield. Steven Gerrard has a very early strike, wide from 25 yards.