Liverpool have a 1-0 lead at the break in tonight's Europa League group stage match against Udinese at Anfield.

Sebastian Coates had a good chance to give the home side the lead after 10 minutes, but his header from Joe Allen's corner was well saved by Zelijko Brkic.

Reds goalkeeper Pepe Reina was then called into action twice to keep the Italians at bay.

The first save saw him deal with Antonio Di Natale's low effort before he somehow scrambled Medhi Benatia's header away after it had looked as if the ball was going in.

The hosts broke the deadlock midway through the half when Jonjo Shelvey headed in Stewart Downing's inviting cross.

Di Natale had one more chance before the half-time whistle but the dangerman could only lash his shot narrowly over the crossbar on the angle.