6 hours ago
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Liverpool U19s were already through to the knockouts of the UEFA Youth League after a last-minute winner against PSV last time out, but the young Reds couldn't end the league phase on a high.
Rob Page's team was hammered 5-0 by a clinical Inter Milan team filled with exciting young talents. Liverpool's mistakes were punished and the home team's win was deserved, though the Italian outfit was fortunate to keep a clean sheet.
After only a minute or so, Inter Milan was awarded a penalty for a handball offense against Lucas Clarke, though replays seemed to show that the ball hit him in the face rather than the arm. The Liverpool defender's hand was raised, but the cross came from only a yard away, meaning it was incredibly harsh.
Dilan Zarate tucked the ball into the net and past Academy shot-stopper Kornel Misciur, who got a touch on the shot but couldn't keep it out. The Inter man limped off with an injury later in the half.
Before the quarter-hour mark, Inter had doubled its lead through a wonderstrike from Pietro La Torre, who controlled an outswinging corner on the edge of the box and fired home into the corner on the half-volley.
Prior to half-time, Liverpool won a penalty of its own, but Kieran Morrison hit the post. It was a frustrating outing for the Northern Ireland U21 international, who, alongside Trent Kone-Doherty, was relatively quiet.
Midfielder Alvin Ayman, filling in at left-back, cleared a header off the line to prevent Liverpool from going even further behind before Keyrol Figueroa and Josh Sonni-Lambie saw chances come their way.
Liverpool did have opportunities to score but couldn't get the ball over the line on a frustrating outing for its attackers.
However, Inter moved further into the ascendancy via a Misciur own-goal and then a lovely goal from Mattia Mosconi.
Substitute Kevin Moressa, who had not long come on for Inter Milan, then added his name to the scoresheet with a left-footed effort that beat Misciur from inside the penalty area.
Both Liverpool and Inter Milan will be in the draw for the round of 32, with the former already through and the latter ensuring progression with the win here.
That will take place at 2.30pm UK time (9.30am ET) on Friday, with the two-legged ties set for 3 and 4 February.
Some big names have missed out on qualifying, with Bayern Munich and Arsenal among those crashing out. Napoli and Juventus need to win tomorrow to book their spot in the draw.
English (US) ·