But Jurgen Klopp will consider two draws poor reward after dominating their first two group games.
Liverpool had to come from behind last night after Fernando had given Spartak the lead against the run of play with a free-kick that prompted fingers to be pointed at goalkeeper Loris Karius.
Coutinho had given away the freekick trying to rescue his team after Emre Can conceded possession. But the Brazilian made amends with fine goal before the break.
Liverpool had more than enough chances to win it. Spartak keeper Artem Rebrov saved well from Roberto Firmino’s header and a Coutinho free-kick while Firmino,
Daniel Sturridge and Mo Salah squandered chances near the end.
Klopp started with his Fab Four strike force of Coutinho, Sadio Mane, Salah and Firmino for the first time in a competitive game.
But the Liverpool boss warned them not to go all-out in attack and forget defensive duties.
Apart from an early booking for Emre Can, all looked to be going well as Liverpool dominated.
Right back Trent Alexander-Arnold had their first chance, volleying wide after a neat exchange with Salah.
Rebrov was kept busy, producing a spectacular stop to keep out Firmino’s header from Mane’s cross.
But, typically, Liverpool wasted all the good work by falling behind after 23 minutes, totally against the run of play.
Can was the culprit, giving away possession on the half-way line to allow Spartak to counter-attack.
Coutinho, trying to get his team out of trouble, conceded a free-kick 25 yards out.
Fernando stepped up to curl home to leave Klopp feeling as if he had been mugged. It was to be Spartak’s only goal attempt of the first half.
Liverpool made an immediate response and Mane stooped to head home but it was ruled offside.
They didn’t have to wait too long for a goal that counted though. Two of the fab four were involved.
Coutinho exchanged passes with Mane whose return put him in behind the Spartak defence.
He finished with style for his second goal since returning to the team after a summer spent dreaming of a move to Barca.
Salah spooned a great chance over the bar and the Egyptian was inches away just before the break after a lightning counter.
After the break, Liverpool won a series of free-kicks in dangerous positions. From one, Rebrov had to react smartly to prevent Coutinho’s low shot from creeping in at the near post.
Liverpool were in total control, and Salah was inches away from converting Mane’s pass. He collided with Rebrov and although the Spartak keeper played on, he had to be replaced by Alesandr Selikhov.
Sturridge came on for Mane, who had taken a knock, while Georgino Wijnaldum replaced Can and they continued to carve out chances.
Alexander-Arnold fired wide after a sweeping move, lifted a great chance over the bar and Selikov made a point-blank save to keep out Sturridge’s header.
