Liverpool fans could hardly be blamed for feeling nervous ahead of Tuesday night's Champions League qualifier against Hoffenheim.

The Reds travelled to Germany for the first leg knowing they faced a well-drilled side that finished fourth in the Bundesliga last season, only two points behind Borussia Dortmund.

Hoffenheim, led by their 30-year-old manager, Julian Nagelsmann, are excellent at keeping the ball having recorded the second most amount of possession in 2016/17.

They dominated the early stages as expected and should have broken the deadlock in the 12th minute when Dejan Lovren clumsily brought down Serge Gnabry in the box.

Star striker Andrej Kramaric stepped up to take the penalty but produced a poor effort straight down the middle that Simon Mignolet comfortably saved.

It was much of the same from thereon out in the first half, with both sides having their fair share of chances.

Liverpool's best opportunity came two minutes later, when Mohamed Salah pounced upon a defensive error from Hoffenheim captain Kevin Vogt to race through on goal.

Salah was unable to take advantage, though, with Vogt somehow managing to catch up with the £37 million summer signing and put him off.

It looked like a moment of magic was needed to open the scores and in the 35th minute, 18-year-old Trent Alexander-Arnold provided exactly that.

Sadio Mane won a free-kick from around 28 yards out, which Alexander-Arnold took and superbly dispatched into the bottom-right corner. Check it out below.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER FOR ALEXANDER-ARNOLD

Stunning. Alexander-Arnold was making his Champions League debut against Hoffenheim and marked the occasion in some style.

Liverpool entered the half-time break 1-0 up, during which Steven Gerrard lauded Alexander-Arnold for his goal and what a bright future he has.

"Fabulous free-kick. He's going to be a top top player," said Gerrard. "I think Nathaniel Clyne has to be very careful this season because he's already breathing down his neck.

"Performances like tonight... he's letting [Jurgen] Klopp know that he's ready for the big time."