Memorable Reds debut for Shaqiri
Chicago, July 29: Liverpool scored three second half goals as they wrapped up their pre- season tour of America with a dominating 4- 1 victory over Manchester United at Michigan Stadium.
Xherdan Shaqiri put a stamp on his Liverpool debut with a spectacular bicycle- kick goal to round out the scoring in the International Champions Cup match in front of a crowd of 101,000.
Shaqiri, of Switzerland, was one of five recent high profile signings, which saw Liverpool shell out more than £ 200 million ($ 260 million) in an attempt to close the gap on Premier League champions Manchester City.
Sadio Mane converted a penalty to open the scoring for Liverpool in the 28th minute.
Manchester United’s 22year- old midfielder Andreas Pereira tied the game 1- 1 in the 31st minute off a free kick.
But Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool squad seized command in the second half, starting with Daniel Sturridge’s 66th- minute strike. Shaqiri, 26, did the heavy lifting on the play, outmuscling a United defender and then slipping a pass back to Sturridge who made it 2- 1.
Sheyi Ojo then scored off a spot- kick in the 74th minute. That set the stage for Shaqiri to bring the packed stadium to its feet eight minutes later with his overhead kick from inside the box off a nice feed from Ben Woodburn.
BARCA BEAT SPURS
In Pasadena, Ernesto Valverde expects a bright future for summer signing Artur after the Brazilian midfielder netted a stunning goal on his Barcelona debut, in a 2- 2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur, before the Catalans triumphed 5- 3 on penalties. The La Liga champions splashed out 40 million euros to bring in Artur from Brazil’s Gremio. Barca boss Valverde still wants to add to his options in the middle of the park, but was encouraged by the early signs from Artur during an impressive first half display.
CHELSEA PIP INTER
In Nice, France, Chelsea beat Inter Milan 5- 4 on penalties as goalkeeper Willy Caballero saved from Milan Skriniar in the shootout following a 1- 1 draw in their opening game of the International Champions Cup.
Chelsea’s Pedro struck after just eight minutes in Nice. Inter levelled early in the second half through
Roberto Gagliardini.
Caballero then saved from Skriniar with his legs in the shootout before Cesar Azpilicueta converted the decisive spot- kick.
CITY BEAT BAYERN
Pepe Guardiola finished Manchester City’s US tour with a deserved 3- 2 victory over former club Bayern Munich in Miami, but his day was soured with an injury to new signing Riyad Mahrez.
Two goals from substitute Bernardo Silva helped Manchester City come from 2- 0 down to end a run of two defeats with youngster Lukas Nmecha scoring in between.