Liverpool failed to find a breakthrough as a heavily rotated Leeds side held them to a goalless draw at Anfield, missing an opportunity to strengthen their grip on a top-four place in the Premier League.
Arne Slot’s side extended their unbeaten run to nine matches, but another subdued display meant they were unable to capitalise, allowing Leeds to come away with a valuable point that moved them seven points clear of the relegation zone.
The visitors came closest to snatching victory late in the game when Dominic Calvert-Lewin fired past the goalkeeper, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
The draw leaves Liverpool three points ahead of both Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for Champions League qualification.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke appeared to have one eye on the upcoming clash with Manchester United, making four changes to his starting line-up and leaving the in-form Calvert-Lewin on the bench.
Liverpool were without Mohamed Salah, who is away on Africa Cup of Nations duty, as well as the injured Alexander Isak. The absence of their two leading scorers from last season was evident, with the hosts struggling to create clear chances.
Their best opportunity came midway through the first half when Hugo Ekitike completely mistimed a free header from a driven Jeremie Frimpong cross, sending the ball wide with the goal at his mercy.
Leeds’ solid defensive display continued a six-match unbeaten run that has helped lift them away from danger, a sequence that includes two fixtures against the league champions.
Unlike the thrilling 3-3 draw between the sides just weeks earlier, this encounter was marked by disciplined defending from Farke’s team, which repeatedly frustrated Liverpool’s attempts to break through.
Calvert-Lewin nearly capped the performance with a late winner. The former Everton striker, who had scored in each of his previous six matches, slipped the ball past Alisson Becker with 10 minutes remaining, but was narrowly offside and denied his first goal at Anfield.
