Correa’s late magic for Sevilla wrecks Coutinho Kop return
PHILIPPE COUTINHO made his long-awaited comeback for Liverpool – but was unable to inspire a Champions League win.
Jurgen Klopp’s side endured a frustrating return to the competition as Sevilla scored a late equaliser to claim a point. The Reds were looking to
avenge their 2016 Europa League final defeat by their Spanish rivals – but were ultimately left to rue a series of missed chances.
Klopp said: “We deserved better.” And skipper Jordan Henderson added: “If we had been more ruthless, we could have had four.”
After conceding early on, goals from Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah put Klopp’s side in control of the tie. But Liverpool continued to squander opportunities, including a missed first-half penalty from Firmino, allowing Sevilla to equalise through Joaquin Correa late on.
That setback saw Klopp throw Coutinho in for his first appearance of the season. The Brazilian received a warm reception from Liverpool’s fans but was unable to deliver his usual magic for the Reds, who had Joe Gomez sent off.
Sevilla fitness coach Pablo Fernandez had to be restrained by his own colleagues from confronting Klopp at the final whistle.