The Premier League side looked well off the pace against the spirited Belgium champions, who missed a first-half penalty and several good chances.
Liverpool paired Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane together for the first time in competitive action but the duo failed to gel and the Reds can count themselves fortunate to be going back to England on level terms.
Liverpool managed to get more of a grip of midfield as the half went on, but a slow tempo, poor passing and a lack of creativity meant they were unable to carve out even a single shooting opportunity before the break.
Liege also had the best of the chances in the second period, with Liverpool boss Benitez eventually forced into turning to captain Steven Gerrard, who he had left on the bench, to try to inspire his side and reverse the direction of play.
Gerrard failed to influence the flow of the match upon his introduction with 15 minutes to go, and fired one free-kick from a promising spot narrowly over the crossbar while curling a second tamely into the arms of Rorys Aragon Espinosa in the home goal.
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