Spartak Moscow's club doctor banned the squad from having sex in the buildup to tonight's Champions League clash at Liverpool.

The Russian side travel to Anfield needing a win in order to make it through to the last-16 stage of the competition, currently sitting third in Group E ahead of the final matchday.

"From a medical point of view sex stimulates the ability to work only in women," Spartak's "trained cardiologist" Victoria Gameeva told Russian media.

"In martial arts it happens that a female athlete could fight just five or 10 minutes after having sex and her results would be better.

"But it works other way round for men. They should avoid sex two or three days before the football game."

Just a point tonight will seal progression to the last-16 stage for Jurgen Klopp's men, while a win will send them through as group champions.