Liverpool have drawn first blood in the Capital One Cup semi-final with a 1-0 win over Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

Jurgen Klopp's side put on a brave display to overcome Mark Hughes' Potters despite losing Philippe Coutinho and Dejan Lovren to hamstring injuries in the first half.

Brazilian playmaker Coutinho limped off in the 18th minute while Croatian centre-half Lovren had to be subbed out in the 34th minute but that did not stop the Reds opening the scoring just moments later.

Substitute James Milner released Adam Lallana down the right and the midfielder picked out Joe Allen in the area with a lovely cross only to see the Welshman scuff his effort, however, the ball fell kindly for Jordon Ibe who controlled before firing beyond Jack Butland.

Stoke had a great chance to level on the stroke of half-time but Simon Mignolet did brilliantly to deny Glen Johnson's rasping attempt after a corner.

It was a gritty performance from Klopp's side, who needed a reaction after the weekend's disappointing 2-0 loss at West Ham United, and the German will no doubt be happy with their improvement especially after losing key players early.

Stoke were more dangerous in the second half but were unable to create anything of substance as the visitors continually snuffed out chances created by the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri and Marko Arnautovic.

It sets up a tantalising second leg at Anfield on Tuesday, January 26 as Liverpool strive to progress to a record 12th League Cup final as the Potters chase their first trophy in this competitions since 1972.

2015/16 CAPITAL ONE CUP - SEMI-FINAL FIRST LEG

Stoke City: 0
Liverpool: 1 (Jordon Ibe 37')
Britannia Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent - 27,369