Exactly 45 years ago today, Liverpool suffered a second consecutive 2-1 defeat to Red Star Belgrade that was later cited as vital to their subsequent domination of Europe.

It is often said that the lessons from that European Cup second-round humbling at the hands of the Serbian champions laid the foundations for the Reds lifting the trophy for the first time three-and-a-half years later.

But Jurgen Klopp will hope that the inquest into his team’s woeful performance on Tuesday evening delivers results more quickly.

Milan Pavkov’s first-half brace was no more than Red Star deserved for the sort of high-pressing, fast-breaking performance that used to be their visitors’ calling card.

For Liverpool, the opposition’s approach served as a reminder of the verve with which they played during their trip to the final of this competition last season.

And so, with an away game against Paris Saint-Germain up next and progression in the balance, Klopp will at least hope that this defeat - and mostly importantly the manner in which it was delivered - is timely if nothing else.

Klopp finds out more about Sturridge

With four goals from three starts to his name going into this game, no Liverpool fan would have been too disappointed to see Daniel Sturridge replace Roberto Firmino in the line-up.

But the Englishman was rightly substituted at the break after failing to cope with the demands of his role during a hostile European away trip.

Sturridge’s performances - and his goal return - in the early stages of the season show he is worthy of his place in a squad aiming to end a long wait for major honours.

At his best, the 29-year-old is a deadly finisher in possession of an inventive touch around the box that few of his teammates can match.

But he falls short when asked to occupy defenders physically or hold up the ball before bringing midfielders into play - crucial elements of a forward’s game away from home.

And so Klopp may be minded to pick Sturridge’s games more wisely going forward in order to avoid a repeat.

Who wants a European Super League?

As Red Star’s fans put on an incredible show of support in the build-up to Tuesday evening’s game, it was hard to shake the feeling that their efforts would all be in vain.

Liverpool looked deserved odds-on favourites to claim victory in Belgrade - the vast financial disparity between the Premier League and its Serbian counterpart a large part of the reason.

But, in a week where talk of a breakaway European Super League has dominated the headlines, Red Star’s players shone a light on the madness behind such suggestions by matching their supporters’ intensity on the pitch.

The Serbian champions would be among the clubs to suffer if a breakaway occurred but it is also worth noting that fans of so-called bigger clubs would miss the opportunity to travel to cities like Belgrade and witness the atmosphere its residents can produce.

There is no question that the growing financial divide between the haves and the have-nots of football has had a negative effect on competitions such as the Champions League.

But levelling the playing field somewhat should be the first priority of everyone involved in the game, not securing an even larger chunk of the rewards - and nights like this show exactly why.

Reds must run the gauntlet to progress

Liverpool’s final two Champions League group games now look about as far from ideal as it’s possible to get.

The Reds’ next fixture in this competition will see them head to Paris Saint-Germain knowing that one false move could put them out of the running for qualification for the knockout stages.

Whatever the result of the French champions’ meeting with Napoli later this evening, Klopp’s men are unlikely to be able to afford a slip-up of any sort at Parc des Princes.

Klopp has told reporters a number of times that he knew progressing from Group C would be difficult immediately after the draw was made.

But Liverpool perhaps didn’t need to make it quite as hard as it is going to prove - if they manage it at all.

Alexander-Arnold facing first real test

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s half-time withdrawal will no doubt have hurt a player whose career has, until now, solely followed an upward trajectory.

The Scouse teenager is enduring his worst run of form since breaking into the first team and will face difficult questions after seeing his night ended prematurely in Belgrade.

But, while Alexander-Arnold certainly won’t be enjoying this sticky patch, it is an opportunity to prove that he is capable of living up to his oft-mentioned ambition to captain the club one day.

Klopp has shown his willingness to use Gomez at right-back and return Lovren to central defence in a number of games this season.

And so Alexander-Arnold may need to prove all over again at Melwood why he is one of the most talked about talents in English football. It will certainly do him no harm.

Matip running out of chances

With Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and Dejan Lovren ahead of him in the centre-half pecking order, Joel Matip could ill afford a poor showing when given a rare opportunity to start here.

But even the typically positive Klopp would struggle to argue that the 27-year-old’s ponderous first-half showing was up to scratch.

Matip has never fully convinced since arriving at Liverpool on what looked a shrewd free transfer from Schalke in the summer of 2016.

And, with the defender’s contract set to have just two years remaining at the end of this season, the Reds will need to make a decision on whether his future lies at Anfield.

If the former Cameroon international does not start grasping these chances and putting in commanding performances, Klopp will view a sale as the preferable option.