Liverpool’s Champions League future in limbo after loss to Red Star

TRENT Sainsbury made his European debut for PSV Eindhoven, but could only watch in horror as his deflection handed Spurs a last-gasp win, but it was better news for Socceroos teammate Milos Degenek.

TRENT Sainsbury called it “bittersweet”, and that was a description which applied to his own fortunes and those of both Australians in the Champions League on Wednesday morning (EDT).

While Sainsbury made his European debut for Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, but could only watch in horror as his deflection handed Spurs a last-gasp win, Socceroos teammate Milos Degenek was helping to orchestrate a famous win for Red Star Belgrade over Liverpool.

Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp, left, gives instructions to Mohamed Salah. Picture: AP Photo

Sainsbury had to sport a rueful smile after being introduced as a sub with 10 minutes left and his side a goal to the good at Wembley. First Harry Kane equalised for Spurs with a shot, then the Tottenham captain’s header hit one defender and then Sainsbury before creeping over the line for the winner.

“(It’s) a bit bittersweet,” Sainsbury said.

“First game in the Champions League and then double deflection and it goes in last minute off me for the winner.”

“I’ll give it the old (Mario) Balotelli line, ‘why me?’”.

“But both teams created chances, they had the better of it and probably they deserved it at the end of the day.”

Degenek had rather more cause to celebrate, after Red Star’s win which leaves Liverpool in a serious mess in terms of securing qualification from the group.

Red Star Belgrade's supporters cheers prior to the UEFA Champions League Group C second-leg football match against Liverpool FC. Picture: AFP

Milan Pavkov scored in the 22nd and 29th minutes as the Serbian champions earned a first win in their debut appearance in the Champions League group stage. They last played in the European Cup in 1991 as holders.

Liverpool has now lost both of its away games in the group stage, having been beaten 1-0 at Napoli last month. Napoli and Liverpool both have six points after the Italian team’s 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain in Naples.

Red Star's Milan Pavkov celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal. Picture: AP Photo

Antoine Griezmann helped Atletico Madrid bounce back from a heavy loss to Borussia Dortmund with a 2-0 win over the German club, a result that sent last year’s semi-finalist Monaco crashing out.

Barcelona, without Lionel Messi, drew 1-1 at Inter Milan to become the first team to progress to the knockout stage this season.

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