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Liverpool were denied a last-gasp win when they closed their Champions League group stage campaign with a 1-1 draw against Midtjylland.
After a record start from Mohamed Salah, VAR was heavily involved in the second half to give Midtjylland a penalty.
Video assistants then helped Liverpool deny the hosts a second, before a second was also ruled out for the visitors.
The Reds did not need to win in Denmark having already topped Group D. However, they seemed determined to do so from the start, with Salah’s goal in 56 seconds.
The Egyptian’s scruffy touch in a challenge with Dion Cools was enough to get the ball into the fastest goal in club history in the Champions League.
The goal also made Salah his club’s all-time top scorer in the Champions League with 22 goals.
Midtjylland had a brilliant opportunity to respond immediately, but Erik Sviatchenko’s header went over the bar.
Diogo Jota got the ball caught under his feet and blew an opportunity. In fact, Salah remained LiverpoolHe is the most dangerous player in the first half, as Jesper Hansen saved two more shots, one from an offside position.
Divock Origi completed Liverpool’s front row and had a great opportunity. However, with time on his hands, he chose to try to get Salah’s pass into the top corner rather than get hit.
Naby Keita and Jota tested Hansen further, but despite his dominance, Midtjylland had chances.
In fact, Sory Kabah outplayed Trent Alexander-Arnold and appeared to be directing the ball. However, Fabinho magnificently cleared his effort off the line.
After that, Awer Mabil snuck in, again on the left side of the area, but his shot was stopped by Caoimhin Kelleher.
Midtjylland started better in the second half with a string of early chances. Brazilian midfielder Evander slammed the ball into the bar, before Kaba fired wide.
Kaba re-entered, but his shot was blocked by Kostas Tsimikas. Yet amid the opportunities, Liverpool’s youngest Champions League debutant Billy Koumetio stood his ground on defense after replacing Fabinho at half time.
Midtjylland defends itself with the help of the VAR
But Midtjylland got its reward for their effort with Alexander Scholz’s penalty. Anders Dreyer was considered onside after the linesman had originally been signaled when he caught a ball overhead.
But the play was still for the VAR as, when collecting the ball, Dreyer was cut by Kelleher and Scholz beat the goalkeeper with a yellow card.
Liverpool struggled to break out of its own half and Klopp brought in some of its most veteran stars. Andy Robertson, Jordan henderson and Roberto Firmino all entered but failed to inspire an instant revival.
In fact, it was Midtjylland who thought they had taken a 2-1 lead, but VAR went the way of Liverpool this time. Scholz hit the ball into the roof of the net in the second phase of a free kick, but there was an offside when the ball was played.
The Danish team continued to fight for victory, with a header from Sviatchenko from a corner rejected by Kelleher.
Then Liverpool were denied the last chance to snatch all three points. Sadio Mane had also arrived to try to get a winner, but was credited with doing so in his downfall before Takumi Minamino scored.
In the end, the result did not affect Group D qualification and Liverpool will return to action on Sunday with a Premier League clash against Fulham.
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