Liverpool lost 2-1 to Royal Union Saint-Gillelois in the UEFA Europa League tonight (December 14). Jurgen Klopp made nine changes to Manchester United’s win over Crystal Palace last weekend.
The German coach gave opportunities to young players, including 19-year-old Connor Bradley and 19-year-old Cade Gordon, who both started. The Merseysiders lacked star power in their squad and Union SG looked to make the most of it. Algerian winger Mohamed Amoura put the hosts ahead in the 32nd minute and Belgium did just that.
Amura raced forward before beating Liverpool goalkeeper Kaimohen Kelleher and slotting the ball into an empty net. Lotto Park started with Alexander Blessing’s side taking the lead.
But Union SG’s lead lasted just seven minutes as Jarell Kuansah scored his first big goal for the Reds. The 20-year-old England defender had the ball well before the equaliser. Les Unionistes responded well and took the lead in the 43rd minute through Cameron Puertas. Sloppy play from Liverpool allowed Amura to slip past his team-mates and find the Swiss midfielder who slotted past him to put his side 2-1 up. That was Union SG’s first half lead.
Klopp’s men appeared to be on the same page as Manchester United on Sunday.
Liverpool trailed 3-1 in the 62nd minute of the first half when Puertas scored with a header. However, VAR intervened and advised Israeli referee Orel Greenfeld to watch the goal on the pitch monitor. Ivory Coast midfielder Lazare Amani would have controlled the ball before assisting Puertas.
So the goal was disallowed, but Union SG were watching the match. It was an exciting performance from Klopp’s men who secured the group title in the last 16.
One fan assessed how the Reds played:”Ramao, these young people have no future. Another fan also criticized the team.”Worst team ever to compete in Europe. 1-2/10 with Jones, Gakpo, Conate and Elliott but no promising talent for our future.”
