The Reds suffered their second European defeat of the season but reached the tournament’s last-16 round.
Union SG defeated Liverpool 2-1 in their Europa League game on Thursday. Liverpool’s highly-rotated lineup failed to impress in their final group-stage test in the competition.
What happened?
Union SG were much more motivated to win the game as only a victory could’ve kept their qualification hopes alive. The hosts found a brilliant start to the match, dominating the possession while forcing two massive saves out of Caoimhin Kelleher early on.
The Reds finally conceded the opening goal when Mohamed Amoura converted Gustaf Nilsson’s perfect through ball to make it 1-0 just after the half-hour mark. However, Liverpool found a quick equalizer through Jarrel Quansah only seven minutes later.
The first half’s drama was completed when Union managed to restore their lead in the 43rd minute. This time, Cameron Puertas latched onto Amoura’s assist before smashing a powerful low shot into the left corner of the net.
The pace of the game dropped at the beginning of the second period, but Union’s attacks increased gradually in the final half-hour. The hosts thought they had scored the third goal through Puertas, but the referee disallowed it for offside.
Union held onto their lead and won the game but couldn’t qualify for the knockout stage as Toulouse defeated LASK in the other Group E match.
Union SG vs Liverpool: Man of the Match
Mohamed Amoura made an excellent display in Union’s attacking line as they defeated Liverpool on home soil. The Algerian star registered a goal and an assist while putting constant pressure on the Reds’ backline with his deep runs.
Player Ratings
Union SG: Moris (6), Mac Allister (6), Burgess (6), Machida (5), Castro-Montes (6), Amani (7), Sadiki (7), Lapoussin (5), Puertas (8), Nilsson (5), Amoura (9).
Bench: Rodriguez (6), Rasmussen (6), Ayensa (6).
Liverpool: Kelleher (7); Bradley (5), Quansah (8), Konaté (6), Chambers (5); Endo (4), Elliott (7), Jones (6); Doak (4), Gakpo (6), Gordon (6).
Bench: Gomez (7), Gravenberch (6), Scanlon (6), Nunez (7), McConnel (6).
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