A resolute Blackburn held Liverpool and forced a replay in an evenly-fought game between the Championship and Premier League side at Anfield.
Blackburn held their own during the first half. Rudy Gestede was a constant threat to Liverpool, who simply could not handle his physical presence and power; and Craig Conway wasted the best opportunity by blazing over the bar while entirely unmarked on the right side of the box.
The hosts did have their chances in the opening 45 minutes, with Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling both looking lively, and Kolo Toure even getting the ball in the net before noticing the flag raised for offside.
Liverpool regrouped during the break, muting Gestede much more competently and holding most of the possession. Mario Balotelli joined the fray on the hour mark to add an additional attacking outlet, but even that failed to make a real impact as Blackburn defended well and goalkeeper Simon Eastwood particularly impressed.
The match was subject to a nine-minute delay after Martin Skrtel fell awkwardly under a third-minute challenge from Gestede and required medical treatment before being stretchered off.