It was the Merseyside mini-derby for the u18s this week at Finch Farm.
With the UEFA Youth Cup tie against Benfica looming, Neil Critchley decided against playing the likes of Jerome Sinclair, Harry Wilson and Pedro Chirivella.
The Reds struggled to contain a clinical, energetic Everton side and Liverpool’s defensive line was carved open numerous times. Goals from Harry Charsley, Jack Bainbridge, Liam Walsh and a brace from Callum Dyson secured a comprehensive 5-0 win over their Merseyside counterparts.
It was then time for the Benfica tie and the young Reds knew they’d be in for a tough match against last season’s runners up.
Benfica started brightly and were rewarded with the opening goal after just four minutes when Hildeberto Pereira powered through and found the net. Goal scorer Pereira was a constant threat to the Liverpool defence.
However, Liverpool’s reply was superb as Spaniard Sergi Canos won the ball approximately forty yards from goal and ran past a Benfica defender before finishing with aplomb.
The two teams exchanged chances as half time loomed with the score being 1-1. The second half was a tight affair but 16 minutes from time, Benfica regained the lead – Diogo Goncalves burst into the box and fired home.
Liverpool had chances to equalise in the dying moments of the match when Canos and substitute Adam Phillips having their efforts thwarted by the Benfica keeper.
It was 2-1 at full time and Benfica progressed to the next stage of the tournament but Critchley’s men should feel proud of this campaign and take encouragement for the rest of the season.
Liverpool u18s are back in action on Saturday 28th against Newcastle United at home, kick off 13:00 (live on LFC TV) and the u21s will play Chelsea on Monday 2nd, kick off 19:00 (live on LFC TV).
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