The young Reds had looked like suffering a second defeat in just three matches in the competition when Hendrik Hansen converted a right-wing free-kick deep into first-half stoppage time.

However, an own goal from Marvin Kleihs four minutes from the end gave Rodolfo Borrell's side a fortuitous but deserved share of the spoils.

The result means Liverpool have taken four points from their first three matches and they will now be hoping to step it up a level in time for next week's return game in Germany.

The Spanish coach had gone into the Anfield clash warning his players to beware the wounded beast following Wolfsburg's disappointing start to life in Group 2.

The Reds had themselves recovered from a heavy defeat against Sporting Lisbon on Matchday One and it was no surprise to see Borrell stick with the same side that overwhelmed Molde last time out.

Indeed, Liverpool were clearly eager to put on a show in front of their home crowd and they almost stole ahead on 10 minutes. Suso picked up a loose ball 25 yards from goal and fizzed in a low shot that bounced inches past the far post.

It would prove to be the best chance of a patchy first 20 minutes and a lengthy injury to Nils Winter did little to help the flow of what was proving to be a very tight encounter.

Liverpool were lacking their usual cutting edge in the final third but almost changed the complexion of the game when Craig Roddan teased a ball out to the right for Toni Silva on 24 minutes. The Portuguese winger shimmied beyond his marker and clipped a delightful effort beyond Wolfsburg stopper Patrick Drewes, only to see Jonas Sonnenberg clear from underneath his own crossbar.

The scare inspired an immediate response from the German side and Tyrell Belford got down well to keep out Michael Thielke's low drive before showing good hands to hold onto Maximilian Arnold's well-struck attempt.

As the interval approached Suso twice went close to an opener when he followed up a free-kick that curled agonisingly past the far post with a thumping drive that flashed beyond the upright.

It looked like being a frustrating first-half stalemate for the Reds but it got even worse deep into stoppage time when the away team won a free-kick on the far right.

Arnold curled a delightful ball across the six yard box, allowing the ironically named Hansen to ghost in at the far post and coolly steer home in front of the Kop.

It was a bitter blow for Borrell and co but the coach would have called for an instant response from his side following the interval.

The Spaniard's decision to swap Suso for Krisztian Adorjan suggested he wanted far more in the attacking third and there was an immediate improvement in Liverpool's play.

The Hungarian looked hungry to make an impact and almost inadvertently levelled on 54 minutes when Silva's low cross hit him and dropped just shy of the near post.

Silva had looked lively all night and it was his run and cross that provided Raheem Sterling with a good opportunity on the hour mark, but the England youth international could only guide his volley into the side netting.

The German youth champions appeared to be on the ropes at this point and four minutes from time the Reds snatched a deserved leveller.

Adorjan found space on the left side of the area and drilled a low cross into the six yard box where the unfortunate Kleihs was on hand to put through his own net.

Liverpool even manufactured a glorious chance to win the match but substitute Adam Morgan saw his shot deflect wide after rounding the 'keeper deep into injury-time.

Liverpool: Belford, McLaughlin, Smith, Sama, Wisdom, Coady, Sterling, Roddan, Ngoo (Morgan 68), Suso (Adorjan 46), Silva. Unused subs: McGiveron, Stephens, Mukendi, Rafferty.