Reds still in the fight, says defiant Rodgers

Europa League last 32: Zenit St Petersburg 2 Liverpool 0

Having missed a number of chances — with top scorer Luis Suarez being the main culprit — the Reds went behind to Hulk’s brilliant long-range effort after 70 minutes, with substitute Sergei Semak adding the second moments later.

It leaves Liverpool’s hopes of progress in the balance in the return leg next week but Rodgers remains optimistic.