Liverpool will face Atletico Madrid in the final of the Audi Cup after defeating Bayern Munich 3-0 at the Allianz Arena.
Liverpool 3-0 Bayern Munich
Audi Cup, Allianz Arena
August 1, 2017
Goals: Mane 7″, Salah 34″, Sturridge 84″
Following Saturday’s victory against Hertha Berlin, Jurgen Klopp vowed to field his strongest available team in the Audi Cup and that’s exactly what he did as Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino all started.
There was a return for Loris Karius in goal and Jordan Henderson captained the side from midfield.
Liverpool started off strongly as Firmino set up Mane within seven minutes to put the visitors in the lead.
The Reds almost doubled their lead when Alberto Moreno‘s pinpoint cross found Mo Salah at the back post but the new signing couldn’t beat Sven Ulreich.
It didn’t take too much longer for Salah to score Liverpool’s second as Mane and Moreno combined on the left to set-up a straight forward tap-in for the Egyptian.
Liverpool thought they had scored a third when Ryan Kent‘s quick feet helped to set up Marko Grujic shortly after the pair’s introduction to the second-half.
However, a flag was raised and Liverpool had to settle for a 2-0 victory as they saw out a very impressive performance.
Daniel Sturridge was keen to make his mark on the game and he did so within minutes as he added Liverpool’s third goal.
It was a disappointing end for Liverpool though as the striker immediately pulled up with an injury after scoring and was forced to leave the field.
Fans couldn’t wait to see Coutinho, Mane, Salah and Firmino start together for the first time…
Coutinho,Salah, Mane and Firmino pic.twitter.com/6tfGeDhHwn
— Billy Liddell (@Liddellpool) August 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/ShaunGilbert11/status/892448196194181120
“Mane, Salah,Coutinho & Firmino are all firing. Feeling sorry for Bayern!” – Lango Ngcongo on Facebook.
Firmino, salah, mane, coutinho ?? can't wait for this. Abandoning the wife and kid to find a sports bar in Barca if I have to! #lfc #BAYLFC
— Ash Singh (@Ash_Singh84) August 1, 2017
And when Firmino and Mane combined for the first goal, fans were delighted…
https://twitter.com/TomHolmes19/status/892454971756748800
Welcome back, Sadio ?
— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) August 1, 2017
“Man, these guys look terrifying.” – Alexandru Ciobanu on Facebook.
Every single time we get the ball back we look capable of springing a counter & scoring. What a fantastic front 3 we have, then there's Phil
— Anfield Agenda (@AnfieldAgenda) August 1, 2017
“That goal is why Firmino is so well suited to lead the attack for us. Wins the ball back and takes the right option straight away. Nice finish from Mane too!” – Ed209 on the forums.
Things got even better when Mane, Moreno and Salah combined for Liverpool’s second goal…
Fantastic Salah-Mane-Firmino-Coutinho on the build up. Liked @lfc18alberto going forward and well sit at the back.
— Luis Garcia (@luchogarcia14) August 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/jamieleach9/status/892460860593012739
https://twitter.com/AlexBlow15/status/892460114522853376
Liking what I have seen of Salah pre season #LFC #YNWA
— Neil Wheeler (@neilwheeler88) August 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/kendrinho_/status/892457933694525442
There was plenty of praise for Alberto Moreno…
https://twitter.com/DanielMaranon/status/892468591441956865
Who's this new left back? Monster #Moreno #LFC
— Aditya Somaya (@AdityaSomaya) August 1, 2017
“Moreno is looking decent this pre-season. Maybe a little too late though.” – Solo Pigeon Pack on the forums.
Who's this new signing called Moreno we've got?#LFC
— Matthew Sssn (@matthew_sssn) August 1, 2017
Sturridge’s introduction got fans discussing his part this season…
https://twitter.com/AdamJohnston10/status/892474311449169920
https://twitter.com/mfelly1983/status/892467679373688832
Sturridge doesn't compete. Which why we look dead when he plays. Firmino for me all the way. #ynwa #LFC
— Breads_OTC (@sphanombika) August 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/Sid_A_/status/892455647798841345
Ryan Kent’s quick feet almost set up Liverpool’s third goal but it was ruled out…
https://twitter.com/Mhk97Lfc/status/892477826645020672
“Wonderful play from the two youngsters, Kent and Grujic.” – Awny on the forums.
https://twitter.com/KloppRevxlution/status/892476745466740736
Shame that goal was disallowed. Think it was due to Bayern having 10 men on the pitch as Rafinha was sent for a hot dog by Kent. #LFC
— Ryan Evans (@ryan_evans92) August 1, 2017
But Sturridge’s injury was a disappointing moment…
Absolutely gutting for Sturridge. Hopefully it's nothing too serious #LFC
— Joel (@IsltAboutMyCube) August 1, 2017
“Fair play to Sturridge. He pulled something and still finished.” – Pete Matthews on Facebook.
https://twitter.com/KevDixon/status/892479452860616704
Let us know your thoughts on the game in the comments section.
