Divock Origi scored the goal and Jurgen Klopp took the applause, but it was the efforts of Liverpool’s much-maligned defensive figures that stood out in their 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund, writes Adam Bate.Get the popcorn out. That was the mood as Liverpools supposedly calamitous defence prepared to take on one of the strongest forward lines in Europe. Even Reds fans were fraught with trepidation. As it was, Mamadou Sakho, Dejan Lovren and the rest stood firm amid the cauldron of noise that is the Westfalenstadion to give Liverpool genuine hope of progression to a Europa League semi-final. Reds earn Dortmund draw Liverpool drew 1-1 with Borussia Dortmund in their Europa League quarter-final first leg. In truth, the concern for what lay in wait was not without justification. Speedy striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has 36 goals to his name so far this season with Marco Reus and Henrik Mhkitaryan bringing the poise, purpose and invention in support. Between them the trio have 43 goals in the Bundesliga alone and more than 60 in all competitions. Ostensibly, this was a mismatch. Jurgen Klopp had an emotion-filled night at old club Borussia Dortmund But there was Sakho, popping up with an incredible block from Mhkitaryan as the Dortmund player appeared ready to pounce. There was Lovren sweeping across to cover and intercept Aubameyangs goal-bound shot from the right channel. There was goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, advancing to flick the ball from Reuss path as he prepared to tap home. And this was just in the first half.Thanks to Divock Origis opener, Liverpool led at half-time and the fans whod readied themselves to watch every Dortmund attack from the gaps between their fingers, fearing that the shared rendition of Youll Never Walk Alone and mutual love-in for Jurgen Klopp would be as good as it got, began to believe. The home side equalised soon after, but Liverpools defence were just warming to the task. Lovrens clearances Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren made eight clearances, three more than anyone else on the pitch. It was never entirely convincing. In the moments before Mats Hummels levelled things up, Sakho inexplicably measured a pass into his opponents path. Twice Lovren was forced to cover for his centre-back partner and just when it appeared that he was the more assured of the two men, the Croatian hurriedly smashed a clearance against Nathaniel Clyne. But that, it seems, is how they roll.Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher referred to the pair as excellent and whether by luck or by judgement - Liverpool fans are long past caring - they got the job done. The moment that summed it up best perhaps came when Reus attempted to dink the ball beyond Sakho only for the defender to throw his head in the way. It lacked the grace of Hummels but, on the night, it was more effective. Sakhos blocks Mamadou Sakho was the only player on the pitch to make three blocks. And then came the confirmation of their personal triumph. Anyone whod envisioned Aubameyang being withdrawn with a quarter of an hour to go, might have anticipated its purpose being to reward the forward with a warm applause from the crowd. Perhaps it would be a rest so he could ready himself to receive the match-ball. Instead it was tactical. Hed been seen off by Sakho and Lovren.For all his improvement this season, this was another step up for Lovren and he delivered. Sakho had struggled against Tottenham as recently as Saturday but also justified his managers support. This was a reminder that these are defenders capable of repelling the best. Its reliability not capability that they are seeking to add to their armoury. Sakho received some attention from Klopp at the final whistle after a fine effort According to Opta, no team in the country has made more errors leading to shots than Liverpool this season. Lovren himself topped that particular chart for individual mistakes last season. But this was a night to reward his own advances and the mental resilience that both men have shown. Together with Mignolet, the three players have helped to give Liverpool a fighting chance at Anfield.Nobody is doubting that Klopp has work to do in reshaping this Liverpool side in the summer and the defence is certain to be on his list of priorities. But thats for another day. Before all that, theres a trophy to contest, moments to enjoy and a proud European history on which to build. Four more performances like this one and we really will have an against-the-odds redemption tale to enjoy.Also See:Liverpool draw in DortmundAs it happenedCheap Custom Rockies Jersey . -- About a third of the way through the regular season, the Washington Wizards are at . Rockies Jerseys China . -- For the first time in two months, an opponent was standing up to Alabama. http://www.customrockiesjersey.com/custom-todd-helton-jersey-large-74r.html .ca look back at each of the Top 10 stories of 2013. Today, we look back at Boston Strong - a citys recovery from tragedy. Authentic Custom Rockies Jersey . Walcott is available for Saturdays home match against Southampton as Arsenal looks to extend its two-point lead at the top of the Premier League. The Gunners are currently the second highest scorers in the league but Wenger insists Walcott will add something extra to his team. Cheap Rockies Jerseys . LOUIS -- Attorneys for the St.ATHENS, Ga. -- Auburns championship dreams disappeared in a deluge of three-and-outs.Rodrigo Blankenship kicked two fourth-quarter field goals, Maurice Smith returned an interception for a touchdown and Georgias defense shut down No. 8 Auburn in the second half to beat the Tigers 13-7 on Saturday.The loss ended Auburns Southeastern Conference championship hopes and knocked the Tigers out of consideration for a spot in the playoff.Auburn (7-3, 5-2 SEC, No. 9 CFP) had been in control of its hopes to win the SECs Western Division, with one conference game remaining at No. 1 Alabama. Instead, Alabama clinched the division.Auburn was held to 32 yards with no first downs in the second half, and 164 yards overall.The offense didnt get it done today. Its a simple as that, said Auburn coach Gus Malzahn, who said he stuck with struggling quarterback Sean White because Sean is our guy.Georgia held the ball about 39 minutes, almost doubling Auburns time of possession.The Tigers couldnt overcome the loss of star running back Kamryn Pettway , the nations No. 4 rusher who hurt his left leg on a long run in last weeks win over Vanderbilt. Pettway was with the team but not in uniform.This is the SEC. People get hurt, said Kerryon Johnson, who filled in for Pettway. Thats no excuse for us to not have a productive day. We just got outplayed.Malzahn said an undisclosed injury prevented White from throwing in practice for the second straight week.White couldnt find a passing game to complement Johnsons 99 yards rushing, including a 3-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. White completed only 6 of 20 passes for 27 yards with an interception.Georgia (6-4, 4-4) earned its biggest win under first-year coach Kirby Smart. The Bulldogs controlled the clock on two fourth-quarter field goal drives of 13 and 14 plays.We told ourselves a few weeks ago we were going to run the ball and we were going to be successful, said Georgia running back Nick Chubb, who had 23 carries for 101 yards.Jacob Eason completed 20 of 31 passes for 208 yards without an interception.After Blankenships 21-yard field goal with 2:25 remaining, Auburn was stopped on four downs, triggerinng a celebration in the stands and on Georgias sideline.ddddddddddddBlankenship, the Georgia walk-on kicker who wears black-rimmed glasses under his helmet, barely cleared the cross bar on his 45-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter for a 10-7 lead. Blankenship was short on a 49-yard attempt about three minutes later before kicking a 21-yarder late in the game.Auburn had only 25 yards passing in the first half and opened the second half with three straight passing plays -- two incompletions and a third-down pass intercepted by Smith and returned 34 yards for a tying touchdown.He looked like a receiver on the play, Smart said.THE TAKEAWAYAuburn: The Tigers likely will be headed for a sharp drop in the Top 25. The inability to compensate for Pettways injury revealed Auburns lack of offensive balance and inability to retain its spot as a championship or playoff contender.HAPPY RETURNAuburn strong safety Tray Matthews, who began his career at Georgia before he was dismissed from the team in 2014, delivered the key defensive play of the first half. Matthews picked off a pass from receiver Terry Godwin, who took the snap in the wildcat formation, in the end zone for his first interception of the season.Auburn took advantage of the turnover with an 80-play touchdown drive capped by Johnsons 3-yard scoring run.FAMILIAR RIVALSmith transferred to Georgia from Alabama, Auburns top rival.The team I am with right now, we have been counted out, and for us to get this win is big, Smith said. This makes it definitely worthwhile. Its a blessing. For me to be part of this team and be able to help the team, I just love it.UP NEXTAuburn: The Tigers will play their final home game against Alabama A&M next Saturday as they hope to gain momentum for their Nov. 26 game at Alabama.Georgia: Georgia hosts Louisiana Lafayette next Saturday before closing its season with another home game against in-state rival Georgia Tech on Nov. 26.---More AP college football: www.collegefootball.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-Top25 ' ' '