Liverpool fail ‘first proper test’ of the summer
Liverpool’s pre-season preparations were dealt a blow after being beaten 3-2 by Borussia Dortmund in their first match of a tour of the US.
In stifling conditions at the Notre Dame Stadium in Indiana, the European champions faced the Bundesliga runners-up in what Jurgen Klopp had called “the first proper test” of his side’s pre-season.
Missing veterans Roberto Firmino, Alisson, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane due to the Copa America and African Cup of Nations, Liverpool were hurt by a sloppy defence and Dortmund wasted no time in finding the net courtesy of a close-range strike from Paco Alcacer after just three minutes.
Harry Wilson found the net in the 35th minute to draw level, but Dortmund scored two quick goals after the break.
Delaney made it 2-1 eight minutes into the second half with an easy tap-in, and Bruun Larsen extended the lead after finding the bottom corner in the 58th minute.
Rhian Brewster converted a penalty in the 75th minute after Ben Woodburn was brought down in the box, but the Reds could not find the equaliser in the closing stages in front of the 40,361-strong crowd.
Klopp handed Trent AlexanderArnold, Jordan Henderson, Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk and Georginio Wijnaldum their first summer match action after making 10 changes on the hour mark.
Liverpool will continue their preseason tour with at Boston’s Fenway Park against Sevilla today.
Pep Guardiola vowed to practice penalties after spot-kicks proved a weakness in Manchester City’s armoury at the Premier League Asia Trophy.
Raheem Sterling blazed over from 12 yards in normal time and City players then saw three penalties saved as they were beaten by Wolves in a shoot-out in Shanghai after a goalless draw.
Ilkay Gundogan, David Silva and Lukas Nmecha all failed to beat Rui Patricio from the spot as Wolves prevailed 3-2 to claim the trophy in a poor-quality shoot-out at the Hongkou Stadium.
City boss Guardiola said: “We didn’t expect that. I see my players take a penalty and I am always looking forward to scoring a goal, but we have to practice. We’re going to practice to be better takers next time.”