Liverpool will bring just the one point back from the Russian capital after a 1-1 draw against Spartak Moscow.
The reds had plenty of play, and created enough chances but some decent saves from both of Spartak's keepers and some poor final touches from Liverpool combined to keep this group wide open after the second round of fixtures.
The reds could name Sadio Mane, Coutinho, Mo Salah and Firmino in the same side for the first time. Firmino was making his 100th LFC appearance - which Sturridge on the bench was awaiting his 100th goal.
Spartak were the top seeded club in the group but their domestic form has been relatively poor so far - and with some key individuals out Liverpool should have sensed their chance to collect an early 3 points.
But despite dominating the opening period of the game, Spartak took an undeserved lead in what is becoming a pattern of Liverpool's play.
Emre Can was dwelling on the ball and then Coutinho conceded the free kick outside the Liverpool area. Fernando stepped up and sent the free kick over the wall and past Karius - who could have done better.
It was a sting for the reds - Spartak hadn't even spent much time in Liverpool's half up until the goal.
Moments later the reds had the ball in the net - but Sadio Mane's goal was ruled offside and disallowed.
But they weren't behind for long - when Coutinho and Salah combined at the corner of the box, and Coutinho slammed his shot past Rebrov to equalise.
It was Coutinho's first ever goal in the competition.
Salah had a shout for a penalty after being bundled over, and as half time approached the reds put together a good move. But Sadio Mane had strayed offside, and when it arrived to Mo Salah his shot squirmed along the goalline.
In the second half Coutinho drew a good save from Rebrov from a free kick, and Mo Salah collided with the onrushing goalkeeper after collecting a through ball from Mane.
A period of disruption then in the game with Rebrov eventually deciding he couldn't continue, and the substitute keeper taking an age to come on.
There were stop start substitutions for the next ten minutes, Sturridge and Wijnaldum coming on for Mane and Emre Can.
Sturridge had a couple of chances - caught in elaborate possession at the edge of the box and another chance, free inside the box, which he scooped over the crossbar. A chest and a tap in might have been a better course of action.
Moreno sent a fine ball down the channel, and Firmino outpaced the right back to reach the ball - but his cut-back went just behind the heels of Salah who was 6 yards outside the goal.
A total of 8 minutes was added on at the end of the game and there was still time for another golden chance.
Mo Salah heading a Trent AA cross powerfully at the sub keeper.
As it happened: Spartak 1-1 LFC
Liverpool collect a point which keeps them in joint second place, but Klopp and Henderson were both frustrated because the reds were the better side and had enough chances to win the game.
Two games against Maribor up next for Liverpool, while Sevilla play a double header v Moscow - the outcome of this period is likely to be pivotal to the future course of this group.