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In part thanks to Kieran Morrison’s superb volleyed equaliser, Liverpool U19s came from behind to win 4-1 against Bayer Leverkusen U19s as they edged closer to the next phase of the UEFA Youth League.
Liverpool U19s 4-1 Bayer Leverkusen U19s
UEFA Youth League (4), AXA Training Centre
November 5, 2024
Goals: Morrison 36′, Pinnington 57′, Figueroa 75′ Kone-Doherty 90+2′; Alajbegovic 5′
With a front three of Rio Ngumoha, Ranel Young and Trent Kone-Doherty, as well as Kieran Morrison and Trey Nyoni in midfield, Liverpool lined up with a very attacking starting XI.
It was Leverkusen, though, who took an early lead as they won an early penalty when goalkeeper Kornel Misciur brought down Montrell Culbreath in the box.
Kerim Alajbegovic then produced an unstoppable spot-kick, finding the side-netting to the ‘keeper’s right as Misciur dived the other way.
In the early stages, Liverpool’s best play came down the right as Nyoni, Ngumoha and Young combined to get into the opposition area but ultimately did not create clear-cut chances.
Nyoni was always demanding the ball and it was his decisiveness, along with Morrison’s quality that got Liverpool their equaliser.
The leveller came thanks to a good one-two between Nyoni and Morrison before the former saw a shot blocked, only for the ball to fall to Morrison who, just inside the area, readjusted his body to volley into the corner of the goal.
It was a moment of real quality from the 17-year-old and one with which the watching legend, Rudi Voller, would have been pleased.
As the half went on, the Reds began to dominate possession but were still susceptible to the counter-attack due to Leverkusen’s enormous Erling Haaland-like No. 9, Artem Stepanov.
Just before the half-time whistle, he ran down the right channel and held off Amara Nallo to fire a shot at goal. Misciur, fortunately, was alert to push the effort wide.
From a similar position, Culbreath had already hit the post, so Liverpool’s 17-year-old ‘keeper was ready for the near-post strike.
HT: Liverpool U19s 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen U19s
Immediately after the break, Stepanov found himself in on goal again, but Misciur once more stood firm to block the striker’s finish.
Leverkusen soon went close again, with Culbreath beating Nallo only to see his effort stopped by the goalkeeper.
At this early stage of the second half, the action was going from end to end rapidly but the flow was halted by an injury to the visitors’ shot-stopper, Jesper Schlich.
Liverpool then got the first goal of the second period, as Carter Pinnington headed home directly from a Josh Davidson inswinging free-kick.
After 72 minutes, coach Barry Lewtas made his first substitution, electing to replace Young with Keyrol Figueroa up front.
The change paid off immediately as Ngumoha battled on the left to nudge the ball towards Figueroa who opened his body up to finish into the far corner with almost his first touch.
Kone-Doherty then almost bagged one for himself, finding space on the right to fire across goal. On this occasion, the ‘keeper was equal to the shot.
The winger did eventually get his goal, though, netting in injury time after being played in by Figueroa.
In order for Liverpool to progress to the next round of the Youth League, they must finish in the top 22 of the 36-team league.
They currently have three more points than the 23rd-placed team, Aston Villa, with just one match left of the league phase, at home against Real Madrid.
Liverpool U19s: Misciur; Davidson, Nallo, Lucky, Pinnington; Laffey, Morrison, Nyoni; Kone-Doherty, Ngumoha (Bradshaw 88′), Young (Figueroa 72′)
Subs not used: Hall, Bernard, Furnell-Gill, O’Connor, Ahmed, Sonni-Lambie
Next match: Stoke (H) – U18 Premier League – Saturday, Nov 9, 11am (GMT)
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