Europa League: Liverpool defeated in Russia

Liverpool missed quite a few chances and they paid the price as goals from Hulk and Sergei Semak gave Zenit St Petersburg a solid lead in the first leg of their Europa League tie. Star striker Luis Suarez was the man who missed the most chances for the Reds, including an obvious one from just five yards out. Brazilian forward Hulk found the back of the net on 70 minutes after having been denied by the post in the first half. Three minutes after that goal Semak put another one home to boost his side's chances of advancing to the next round. The opening 15 minutes of the game were quite entertaining, with chances on both ends. Hulk started things up with a good cross for Aleksandr Kerzhakov and then fired one at goal himself but goalkeeper Jose Reina saved the Reds on both occasions. Suarez provided a chance for Liverpool at the other end of the pitch but fired wide after breaking through the Russian defence. Then Hulk rattled the post and Suarez replied with a wide shot from five yards. Liverpool had another good opportunity early in the second half as Glen Johnson made a good run before being denied by goalkeeper Malafeev and then Suarez missed the target once again from the edge of the penalty area. And the Reds paid the price on 70 minutes as Hulk fired one straight into the top corner from the edge of the box. The Russian side then needed just three minutes to double the lead as Skrtel was unable to clear Anyukov's cross and substitute Semak tucked it in at the far post. Suarez tried his luck again with a free kick shot from the edge of the area but Malafeev saved and Zenit ended the first leg with a good two-goal advantage to defend at Anfield Road. Liverpool's next match is on Sunday, February 17, as they take on Swansea at home in the Premier League. Here are the odds at Bet365 for that match: Liverpool win - 8/13 Draw - 3/1 Swansea win - 9/2