Liverpool have defeated Hoffenheim 2-1 in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie at the Rhein-Neckar Arena on Tuesday night.

The Reds gave themselves a two-goal advantage after an own goal from ex-West Ham defender Harvard Nordveit added to Trent Alexander Arnold's first-half goal.

But Liverpool once again displayed some sub-par defending, conceding with three minutes to go through substitute Mark Uth.

Hoffenheim should have squared the tie in injury time, but Benjamin Huber could not keep his free header down.

The Bundesliga club could have taken the lead after 12 minutes when Serge Gnabry was awarded a penalty following a clumsy challenge from Dejan Lovren. However, Andrej Kramaric failed to convert from the spot-kick.

On the 35th minute mark, Alexander-Arnold looked almost Ronaldo-esque when he fired home his free-kick from 30 yards out into the bottom corner. Hoffenheim keeper Oliver Baumann stood still as he watched the ball sail past him.

Liverpool doubled their advantage with under 20 minutes remaining through what seemed to be a wonderful goal from James Milner. Replays would show that Milner's attempted cross/shot took a deflection of Nordveit, leaving Baumann with no chance as it sailed into the far corner.

Unfortunately for Hoffenheim, the free kick which was awarded before Milner received the ball on the break, was taken while the ball was still moving.

Jurgen Klopp must of thought he was watching a replay of Saturday's draw with Watford when another piece of poor defending put their advantage in jeopardy.

The space between Joel Matip and Alexander-Arnold was exposed by Uth, who subsequently controlled a diagonal pass on his chest and fired home an unstoppable half-volley past Mignolet.

The defence was shaken up and the lack of leadership was telling as Hubner was left free when a free-kick was whipped in the box, his header however, left much to be desired.

The second leg will be played next Wednesday at Anfield.