Liverpool 2-1 Ludogorets: Rodgers praises 'persistent' Liverpool

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says his side might have lost their first Champions League match for five seasons but for their persistence during a 2-1 win over Ludogorets Razgrad.

The Reds took the lead in the 82nd minute when Mario Balotelli poked home his first goal for the club, substitute Dani Abalo appeared to have clinched a point for the Bulgarian visitors in the final minute when he rounded Simon Mignolet and scored.

But there was a further twist when goalkeeper Milan Borjan fouled Javier Manquillo in the second minute of stoppage time for Steven Gerrard to hit home the spot-kick.