Already securing their place in the Europa League’s last 16, Liverpool’s youthful squad faced a challenging away match against Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, culminating in a 2-1 loss for the Reds.
Jurgen Klopp’s young team encountered early setbacks, conceding a goal in the 32nd minute to Mohamed Amoura, who skillfully maneuvered past goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. However, Liverpool’s promising 20-year-old defender Jarell Quansah netted his maiden goal for the club, equalizing with a powerful strike from inside the penalty area before halftime.
Despite Quansah’s goal, the hosts regained the lead just before the break through Cameron Puertas’ precise low strike, securing a victory that placed Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa Conference League play-offs, scheduled for February. Puertas thought he had secured a brace, but his second goal was disallowed for handball after a VAR check. Follow your favourite Europa League with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet.
Although Liverpool experienced defeat, they concluded their Group E campaign at the top with an impressive 12 points from six games, while Union Saint-Gilloise settled for third place in the group.
Liverpool’s European focus now shifts to the last 16 in March, allowing the Premier League leaders to redirect their attention to upcoming domestic clashes. Klopp’s squad faces a demanding schedule with crucial home fixtures against Manchester United in the league, West Ham in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, and Arsenal later in December.
The defeat in Belgium came as Klopp fielded Liverpool’s youngest-ever starting XI for a European match, showcasing the club’s emerging talents. The lineup featured a trio of teenagers – Ben Doak, Luke Chambers, and Kaide Gordon – alongside several 20-year-olds and established midfielder Harvey Elliott.
Klopp acknowledged the team’s performance and took responsibility for the loss, emphasizing the importance of such challenging experiences for the young squad members. He refrained from criticizing individual players, highlighting the learning opportunities gained from such matches, stating, “I don’t think any career ever started without these kind of games where you have to struggle, where you have to fight through, where you have to survive.”
Despite the setback, Liverpool’s qualification ensures their continued presence in European competition, as they aim to further their campaign in pursuit of continental success. Get the latest updates from the Europa League only on Nextbet Sports.
