Despite Jayden Danns giving Liverpool an early lead, Sparta Prague came back to secure a 3-1 victory yesterday in the Premier League International Cup.
The result puts both Sparta and Liverpool U21s out of the competition as the group stage draws to a close.
Danns’ perfectly timed run through the backline saw the 18-year-old slot it past Pedro Cuesta to put his side 1-0 up in the 11th minute at The Academy ground.
Lubos Loucka’s side found the equaliser within 10 minutes of Danns’ goal courtesy of Radek Siler who capitalised on Liverpool’s disorganization in the box and tucked it home from close range.
Jakub Uhrincat put the away side ahead for the first time in the match minutes before half time, finding the net after more defensive errors from the Reds.
Barry Lewtas’ side found some momentum following the visitors goals, with positive link-up play between James Norris and Danns down the flank creating multiple chances.
Despite Liverpool coming close to equalising, second-half substitute Tomas Schanelec curled in a beautiful ball from the edge of the box to extend the visitors’ lead to 3-1 in the 69th minute.
Sparta were not short of chances to make it four, but the young Reds managed to keep their Czech opponents at arm’s length for the remainder of the match.
The match will be both sides’ last in this season’s tournament, following a disappointing group stage where Liverpool finished bottom of Group C, and Sparta moving into third with some teams still left to play.
Lewtas can take away the positives of Danns’ contribution, however, who is looking increasingly confident after scoring for Arne Slot’s team against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup on Saturday.
This result marks another match without a win for the Reds, who last secured a victory in November.
