Luis Koumas’ goal was not enough as Liverpool ended their Premier League International Cup season with defeat on Wednesday night.
Coomas only opened the scoring in the first half for the U-21s, who were 3–1 down in their final group game against Athletic Bilbao at Kirkby. There were concerns when Tom Hill, who has suffered a string of injuries in recent years, limped off after just eight minutes.
As it turned out, the blow was not as bad as first feared, the winger sprained his ankle.
In the 3-1 win at Feyenoord before Christmas, Koumas put Liverpool ahead after 27 minutes after Paul Glatzel saw his shot well saved by Athletic goalkeeper Ojer Gastesi. But Athletic equalized before half-time when former Liverpool academy player Ilyas Scholarship was fired home. And the visitors took the lead after 56 minutes thanks to a smart finish from Ibay Asensia.
Barry Leutas’ side worked hard for an equalizer through Glatzel, Calum Scanlon and substitute Kieran Morrison, but Athletic scored in added time, substitute Asier Hierro scoring after a deflected ball fell into his path. Liverpool U21s play Brighton in Premier League Two on Saturday (4pm kick-off).
