Liverpool have been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League tonight after failing to defeat a stubborn FC Basel outfit in a must-win encounter at Anfield.

Basel took the lead in the 25th minute as Febian Frei’s low drive from the edge of the area slipped past the static Simon Mignolet in the Liverpool goal.

Despite a late onslaught towards the last quarter of the game, Liverpool left it far too late to resurrect their campaign for this season and bow out, now entering the Europa League competition instead.

Steven Gerrard answered any lingering critics with his performance towards the end of the match.

With their impending doom in sight the Liverpool legend urged the team forward to try and claw their way back into the game.

And they were back level in 82nd minute as Gerrard himself curled in a beautiful free kick – giving the Kop faithful one last glimmer of hope.

Liverpool’s task was made immensely harder as half time substitute Lazar Markovic raised his arm at Behrang Safari running the risk of a red card – and the referee deemed it to be worthy of a red, leaving the Reds with a 1-0 deficit and down to 10 men.

Gerrard’s late goal did create an exciting conclusion to the game, as Liverpool continuously attacked the Basel goal it left big gaps open at the back, and Basel so nearly took advantage of this.

Henderson’s thunderous drive was the closest the Kop faithful would see their team come to taking the lead, but a smart save from Vacklik saw the chance come and go – and the full time whistle soon followed.

Considering Liverpool’s inconsistent form the Europa League is probably not what they need right now, but that is what beckons nonetheless.

A disappointing campaign after the so nearly Premier League success last season continues to pour misery on the Red side of Merseyside.