AcademyU21s match report: Liverpool draw with Benfica in Premier League International Cup

A stunning 30-yarder from Filipe Cruz capped a period of Benfica dominance during the first half, but the Reds swiftly levelled through a clinical James McConnell header.

Both teams had opportunities to deliver a winner in the second half, though it concluded without further goals at the Kirkby Academy.

Looking for their first points in Group C, Liverpool began the game brightly and created its first chance in the fifth minute.

A precise long pass from the back by Jarell Quansah was collected by Lewis Koumas and he dribbled infield from the left wing. Space opened up for a shot that the forward dragged the wrong side of the near post.

Soon after, a short corner routine on the right saw Mateusz Musialowski attack the byline and clip in a cross that was cleared from inside the six-yard box just before the arriving Quansah could capitalise.

Benfica began to find their rhythm as the half progressed, however, and the Reds needed a vital intervention midway through.

The visitors worked the ball into a promising central position for Gilson Benchimol, whose effort was blocked brilliantly by Amara Nallo.

Within moments of having appeals for a penalty rejected, the Portuguese outfit got themselves in front on 29 minutes.

A Liverpool clearance came out to Cruz and from fully 30 yards he lashed an outstanding strike that dipped into the right corner for 1-0.

Benfica quickly threatened to double their advantage as Benchimol broke through the right channel and got past Nallo – but his well-struck shot was palmed away strongly by Vitezslav Jaros.

And it was an especially fruitful save as the Reds went up the other end and equalised. Musialowski’s corner from the right-hand side found McConnell and he guided an excellent downward header into the bottom left corner.

The away team enjoyed the better of the exchanges following the break and having made a rudimentary save to deny Pedro Santos, another soon after from Jaros was impressive, the Liverpool goalkeeper stretching to tip over a rising blast from the same player.

Barry Lewtas’ Reds worked their way back into it, though, and battling play from Paul Glatzel on the left edge of the box saw the ball run to Tom Hill for a low drive that was scooped up by the goalkeeper.

The U21s head coach’s second-half changes included the introduction of Kaide Gordon from the bench as the hosts sought a winner, while at the other end Lenny Lacroix was off target from close range after meeting a corner in a good position.

And there was no decisive moment before the final whistle – Jose Melro squandering a great chance for Benfica in added time – meaning a point apiece at the Academy.

TEAM

Liverpool U21s: Jaros, Miles, Chambers (Scanlon, 46), Quansah (Jonas, 46), Nallo, McConnell (Pilling, 82), Kone-Doherty (Gordon, 66), Hill, Musialowski, Glatzel (Davidson, 90+2), Koumas.

Unused subs: Kelly, Pinnington.

NEXT UP

The young Reds return to Premier League 2 action by travelling to Leeds United next weekend.

The game at LNER Community Stadium is a 1pm GMT kick-off on Sunday October 29.