Trent Alexander-Arnold scores stunning free-kick as Liverpool take big step towards Champions League

Liverpool inflicted upon Hoffenheim their first home defeat in 16 months, and as such are strong favourites to reach the group stages of the Champions League. But Mark Uth’s late goal kept the tie alive and if the Germans find the finishing to match their approach-play, it will be a nervy night at Anfield next Wednesday.

Hoffenheim were much the better side in the first half, and on 11 minutes Serge Gnabry nutmegged Dejan Lovren in the box, who couldn't get out of his way and had no choice but to concede a penalty. Up stepped Andrej Kramaric, to deliver an unfathomably poor penalty, weak, low and close to Simon Mignolet, who saved easily.

And on 34 minutes came further punishment. Sadio Mane drew a foul from Benjamin Huber and from the resultant free-kick, 23 yards out, Trent Alexander-Arnold, a local lad aged just 18, curled home a perfect strike.

In the second half Hoffenheim again started well, but gradually ran out of ideas, and with 16 minutes to go Harvard Nordtveit deflected James Milner's cross past Oliver Baumann; with two away goals, Liverpool looked almost home. But then just before time, Uth's lovely take and finish sparked a late rally - Huber ought to have scored an equaliser subsequently - and it's all to play for next week.

What's going on in Liverpool's midfield? Liverpool did well tonight, but on account of their defence and attack; their midfield three did very little. Even if Philippe Coutinho stays, they need more class in the centre of the pitch, and that can be supplied by plenty of players not named Naby Keita.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) - Well though Kerem Demirbay played, no one could be churlish enough to overlook Alexander Arnold's lovely goal and general enterprise, even if he was partially responsible for the Hoffenheim goal.

Trent Alexander-Arnold made 24 passes, four interceptions and had 41 touches of the ball in the first half, more than any other player.

Simon Mignolet has saved seven of the 20 penalties he's faced as Liverpool goalie.

Hoffenheim: Bamann 7, Bicakcic 5, Vogt 6, Hubner 5, Kaderabek 7, Rupp 6, Demirbay 8, St Zuber 6, Kramaric 5, Gnabry 5, Wagner 5. Subs: Nordtveit 5, Amiri 6, Uth 8.

Liverpool: Mignolet 8, Alexander-Arnold 8, Lovren 6, Matip 6, Moreno 6, Can 5, Henderson 4, Wijnaldum 5, Salah 5, Firmino 6, Mane 6. Subs: Milner 6, Solanke 6, Grujic 6.

11’ - PENALTY TO HOFFENHEIM! A long ball down the right found Gnabry, who ran at Lovren, swaying left and megging him right. Lovren just couldn't then get out of the way, and after a think the ref points to the spot.

12’ - SAVED MIGNOLET! This is a terrible penalty from Kramaric; he loked like he was going to miss it on account of a run-up that was more of a step-up. It meant that Mignolet didn't have to guess direction, so when it was tapped gently to his immediate left, it was an easy save. What a silly billy.

34’ - Mane darts at the heart of the Hoffenheim defence, running away from Hubner such that Bicakcik is obliged to hack him down and absorb the consequent booking. Free-kick Liverpool, 25 yards out, dead centre….

35’ - GOAL! Hoffenheim 0-1 Liverpool (Alexander-Arnold) He hits this perfectly! Over the wall but only just, the ball dips and slips, over the line and inside the post more or less on the bounce. He judged the power and angle so well, and well-in him and his team-mates for asking and allowing him to take the free-kick in the first place. 18 years old!

74’ - GOAL! Hoffenheim 0-2 Liverpool (Milner) If this was deliberate, it's a brilliant finish; it wasn't. Someone pushes Mane in centrefield, Wijnaldum takes the free-kick quickly, short to Firmino, and he slides Milner away on the left. He transfers the ball onto his right foot and looks to pick out Salah at the back post, but a flick of Nordveit and that's not only 2-0 but nearly the tie.

87’ - GOAL! Hoffenheim 1-2 Liverpool Well that came out of nothing! And what a goal this is! St Zuber drills a long pass from right to left, picking out Uth. He chests it down beautifully, now behind the line having timed his run to perfection, and he drills low and hard into the far corner.

90+1’ - What a miss! Hoffenheim win a free-kick on the left and Demirbay swings in yet another lovely ball. Hubner is on it too, and could go anywhere - he's in front of goal - but heads over the top for no reason whatsoever!