Liverpool and Newcastle played out a 2-2 draw at Anfield - a game that saw Liverpool 2-0 ahead at half time.
Daniel Sturridge started his fifth Premier League game in a row whilst Kevin Stewart came in to replace Lucas Leiva. Joe Allen also started for the reds.
In defence there were other changes. Connor Randall started instead of a rested Nathaniel Clyne - meanwhile Kolo Toure was drafted in to replace Mamadou Sakho. Sakho is being investigated by UEFA for a doping irregularity.
Within the first minute, and after a welcome to Rafa Benitez by the Liverpool fans, Daniel Sturridge latched on to Moreno's forward pass and turned and fired it in to the Kop goal. A great start.
Liverpool were working hard - closing Newcastle down and the first half was one of total domination by the reds.
It was a surprise that it took as long as the 30th minute before Liverpool doubled the lead. Moreno again with the pass that this time found Lallana. Lallana fired in left footed in to the top left hand corner of the goal. A wonderful goal and a fully deserved lead that the reds held till half time.
Half time brought a substitution for Newcastle and an almost immediate change in their fortunes.
A cross was sent into the Liverpool box and Mignolet came to claim it.
He didn't get near enough to it and Cisse headed in.
Joe Allen was busying himself in the opponents area, and it was a attempt by him that found Firmino. The Brazilian put the ball in the net but the assistant had his flag raised for offside.
Sturridge had an appeal for a penalty waved away before Colback hit an important equaliser for the Geordies.
Even the most optimistic would now accept that any remote top four chance is over so Liverpool's remaining concern in the Premier League is to secure European football next season. Focus now switches to the potential to reach a European final - with Liverpool travelling to Spain this midweek for Thursday night's clash at Villarreal.
The reds will need to be more resolute in defence than they were today.
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