Despite a late comeback attempt, Liverpool U21s were beaten 4-3 by Hertha BSC in the Premier League International Cup on Wednesday night.
The German side emerged victorious courtesy of an Ensar Alsakal double, Dion Ajvazi and Sebastian Weiland’s goals.
The hosts began positively at the Kirkby Academy, pressuring the visitors defence with Kyle Kelly striking just wide of the Hertha goal after a mistake from Marlon Morgenstern early on.
After 18 minutes, Tommy Pilling handed Liverpool the lead. Trent Kone Doherty travelled down the wing and whipped the ball in for Pilling, who faked a shot and cut inside. His first attempt was blocked by Morgenstern before Pilling showed great footwork, dribbling through to slot past Tim Goller.
Hertha’s response was near-immediate as Gustav Christensen’ sensational delivery from the right-hand side was met by Alsakal, whose header smashed it beyond Bailey Hall.
The guests sought to double the lead shortly afterwards with Christensen intercepting Hall’s sloppy pass, who laid it off for Ajvazi who couldn’t turn it home. However, as halftime approached, another interception saw Alsakal put the German side in front with a strike of the finest quality that rippled the Reds net.
Liverpool’s hopes of producing a momentum swing were stalled by Hertha starting confidently in the second half, with Christensen finishing just left of the post.
The away side rapidly netted their third goal with Ajvazi tapping it in on the rebound after Hall denied Oliver Rolke. They almost discovered a way to goal afterwards with Aksakal a whisker away from sealing his hat-trick as he clattered the post.
The advantage was stretched two minutes shy of the hour as Sebastian Weiland converted at the back post on a brilliant set-piece taken by Christensen.
Two of Lewtas’ introductions from the bench reduced Liverpool’s deficit to one. First, Kieran Morrison after pressuring Hertha defender Egor Greber, capitalised upon his mistake and delivered his effort into the bottom right corner. Then Tom Hill’s grandstand volley closed the gap between the two sides, but it was not quite enough as the visitors saw it out.
Liverpool turn their attention to the next league fixture on Saturday against Wolves in the Premier League 2, as they will be looking to respond after last week’s derby defeat.
