Liverpool's U19 team suffered a disappointing afternoon in the UEFA Youth League, as their unbeaten start to the competition was ended by RB Leipzig. Kieran Morrison's strike midway through the second half was scant consolation as the Reds U19s were beaten 3-1 in Germany at the Stadion am Cottaweg on Wednesday afternoon.
The result means Liverpool have taken four points from their opening three games but remain in a play-off position at the halfway point of the opening stage. However, the loss was a significant setback for the young Reds, who had been impressive in their previous two matches.
A Dominant Leipzig Performance
Liverpool started in lively fashion with Kareem Ahmed, the 17-year-old striker making his full debut in the competition in place of the absent Rio Ngumoha, seeing a goalbound effort deflected over the bar. But Leipzig soon took control and could have been out of sight by the time they went ahead eight minutes before the interval.
Leipzig's dominance was evident throughout the match, with their physicality proving too much for Liverpool. The German side's ninth corner of the first half resulted in the opening goal. Viggo Gebel curled a delivery from the left to the near post where Jamie Schuldes headed in from close range.
Liverpool's Struggles and a Brief Revival
Liverpool's first-half forward forays were rare, although Ahmed forced a save from Leipzig goalkeeper Luca Janosch when stretching to meet Morrison's cross from the right and Ranel Young had a strong shout for a penalty rejected when appearing to be upended inside the area. After the break, Heyer shot over from a good position, and while Liverpool showed some signs of a revival, Leipzig took the game away from the visitors with two goals in four minutes shortly after the hour.
A Late Goal but Too Little, Too Late
On 62 minutes, Noah Weissbach smashed home from the edge of the area after a lay-off from Robert Ramsak, who shortly afterwards fed Heyer to confidently slot home. Morrison pulled one goal back almost immediately when, after forcing his way to the edge of the area, he thumped home first-time from Young's touch. However, the revival was too little, too late, with the Reds ultimately succumbing to a 3-1 defeat.
Key Players and Absences
Liverpool U19s missed both Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni as Barry Lewtas' team fell to a narrow defeat against RB Leipzig U19s in the UEFA Youth League. Ngumoha's absence was particularly noticeable, with his dribbling and ability to drag the team upfield perhaps missed. Nyoni, meanwhile, is set to be named on the bench for the first team in the Champions League later today. Both players have featured for Liverpool in the UEFA Youth League this season. Nyoni, the 17-year-old midfielder, even captained the side during the goalless draw with AC Milan.
Looking Ahead
Liverpool U19s are next in UEFA Youth League action on Tuesday, November 5 when they play Bayer Leverkusen at Kirkby (kick-off 2pm). They will be looking to bounce back from this defeat and secure a positive result against their German opponents.
Despite the setback, the young Reds will have plenty of opportunities to impress in the remaining matches of the UEFA Youth League. With a number of talented players in the squad, they will be aiming to finish the group stage on a high note.
