BERLIN, Aug. 15 -- Liverpool take an away victory going into the second leg after beating Hoffenheim 2-1 in the UEFA Champions League playoffs on Tuesday.

Goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold and James Milner smoothed the way for Liverpool's 2-1 win on the road as wasteful Hoffenheim squandered a shot from the spot in the opening period.

Hoffenheim made their first-ever appearance in Europe's elite competition but still the hosts took the reins from the kickoff at the outsold Rhein-Neckar Arena.

Julian Nagelsmann's men should have opened the scoring 12 minutes into the clash, but Andrej Kramaric failed to convert a foul play penalty from the spot as goalkeeper Simon Mignolet saved the weak shot from the spot.

The host's chances to open the scoring were a wake-up call for Liverpool, who increased the pressure. Mohamed Salah came close to marking the opener but the striker pulled wide with only goalkeeper Oliver Baumann to beat in the 15th minute.

Liverpool struggled to work out clear-cut opportunities, yet the visitors broke the deadlock out of the blue when youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold curled a free kick over the wall into the bottom left corner 36 minutes into the encounter.

Despite the setback, Hoffenheim remained active and responded with a promising chance through Sandro Wagner, who rattled the outside of the left post following a rebound from the edge of the box three minutes before the break.

【体坛英语资讯：Liverpool beat Hoffenheim 2-1 in UEFA Champions League playoffs】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lindsay Lohan glams up for once

★ 体坛英语资讯：Yao-Yi matchup could set ratings records

★ 体坛英语资讯：Beijing Olympic flame lit in ancient Olympia

★ 体坛英语资讯：Capello greeted with cheers and jeers

★ 体坛英语资讯：From dark horse to freestyle favorite

★ 体坛资讯：Federer into French Open final as Davydenko nerve fails

★ 体坛英语资讯：Olympic torch relay concludes in Buenos Aires

★ 体坛英语资讯：Chinas Li Na makes strong start to season

★ 体坛英语资讯：Chinese-owned Aston Villa sack manager after dismal start in championship

★ 体坛英语资讯：Beijing Olympic flame arrives in Canberra