Match reportLiverpool edged out by Hertha BSC in PL International Cup
Liverpool U21s were beaten 3-2 by Hertha BSC in a thrilling Premier League International Cup contest on Wednesday evening.
The Group C tie got off to a frantic start at the Academy with three goals inside the opening 34 minutes of the contest.
Barry Lewtas’ men started on the front foot searching for an opening strike, with Calvin Ramsay threatening after a strong run and cut back from Mateusz Musialowski.
In the opposite box, Billy Koumetio denied a certain goal for the German outfit, while goalkeeper Harvey Davies produced a brilliant save to later deny Leander Popp.
The Reds saw a penalty appeal waved away as Oakley Cannonier was taken down by a strong challenge, but it was the visitors who struck first through Lukas Ullrich thanks to a low drive into the net.
Hertha added to their advantage a short while later thanks to a swift counter-attack with Ibrahim Maza finishing off inside the area.
Liverpool then reduced the deficit in a flurry of action through Ramsay after good work from Max Woltman, his run down the left resulting in a cross for the full-back to finish.
Following the interval, Hertha added a third goal nine minutes into the second half - Maza netting again to seal his brace after Popp found another run into the box.
Harvey Blair threatened from a free-kick in response, forcing a brilliant save from goalkeeper Leon Cuk after Owen Beck’s good work won the opportunity.
Musialowski, though, found a second for the Reds thanks to a fantastic solo effort which reduced the deficit back to one.
The forward set off from halfway, beating three defenders in the process, before finishing well to give hope for a late Reds revival.
Woltman saw an effort cleared off the line in search of a leveller having been put through on goal by Beck, and captain Dominic Corness forced another strong save from distance.
The Reds pushed on, dominating much of the play and possession, but were unable to find an all-important third goal as time expired.
Liverpool U21s: Davies, Ramsay (Jonas, 60), Beck, Williams, Koumetio, Corness, Frauendorf (Olufunwa, 84), Stephenson, Cannonier (Blair, 39), Musialowski, Woltman.
Unused subs: Hughes, Spearing.