Liverpool are on course for a fourth consecutive Europa League draw as they are level with Rubin Kazan at 0-0 after 45 minutes.

Jurgen Klopp's side started brightly and James Milner rattled the bar after collecting Roberto Firmino's through-ball before Christian Benteke blasted a 20-yard effort wide.

Firmino again raced through in the 18th minute, but sliced his shot wide of the near post under pressure.

On the stroke of half time, Sergej Ryzikov reacted well to bat away Jordon Ibe's deflected strike before scrambling to his feet to claw the bouncing ball away to safety.