Liverpool have been beaten 2-0 by Zenit St Petersburg in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie in Russia.

Despite a number of chances for both sides in what was an open match, two quick goals from Hulk and Sergey Semak in the final 20 minutes have given Zenit the advantage going into the second leg.

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Luis Suarez had a great opportunity to give the visitors the lead on 14 minutes, but his indecision allowed goalkeeper Nicolas Lombaerts to make the save.

However, Liverpool were given a huge let-off midway through the half when Hulk's effort crept under Pepe Reina and came back off the post.

Suarez was in the thick of the action minutes before the break, only for his clever flick to go wide of the post.

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Suarez curled another effort wayward on the hour before Zenit took the lead on 71 minutes thanks to Hulk's emphatic finish from the edge of the box following Jordan Henderson's error.

The Russians doubled their lead almost instantly when Sergey Semak was on hand at the back post to convert Aleksandr Anyukov's cross.

There was a late chance for Liverpool in the form of Suarez's free kick, but Zenit were able to scramble away the danger.