Liverpool have had a shaky preseason to say the least, losing three and drawing one of their last four fixtures. With the Community Shield clash with Manchester City on the horizon, the Reds would have been keen to end their friendlies on a high when they faced Lyon at the Stade de Genève. With a mountainous backdrop, we took our seats for the latest in our ‘Framed’ series.
The return of two of Liverpool’s star strikers, Firmino and Salah, along with keeper Alisson, plus various other players from injury was a welcome boost to the European champions, who had been flagging in their preseason fixtures to date. The return of these players, following a short break after their international responsibilities, also added to the expectations that the club finish preseason on a high. But the Memphis Depay-led Lyon would have other ideas, offering the Reds another strong test; this is a team that had beaten Arsenal in their last fixture after all.
Being played out on the most neutral of grounds, the Swiss fans gathered in numbers to see a nearly full strength Liverpool squad, led by recent FIFA coach of the Year nominee, Jurgen Klopp. But the return of the star names to Liverpool’s line-up didn’t quite provide the start that was planned. Alisson, usually so dependable in goal, was obviously a shade rusty as he literally dropped the ball in the opening minutes, with his resulting attempts to reclaim it leading to a penalty, which Depay duly despatched.
But Liverpool rallied, and Alisson’s fellow Brazilian, Bobby Firmino, showed no such hints of the rust of his compatriot, swivelling nicely in the opposition box to slot home the equaliser. An own goal from Anderson gave the Reds the lead, and that was followed by the moment of the match, which came in the second half when Harry Wilson rifled home a magnificent strike, which nestled in the top corner. Rehearsals complete, with valuable minutes earned as Liverpool look to put on a show against Manchester City in the season’s curtain raiser.
Photography by Lubo Domo for SoccerBible.
