Liverpool 1 Atletico Madrid 1 (Atletico win 5-4 on pens): Diego Simeone's side a step too far for Jurgen Klopp's Reds

Filipe Luis 
Filipe Luis scored the winner in the shootout for Atletico Madrid to win the Audi Cup Credit: CHRISTIAN BRUNA/EPA

The Audi Cup was settled by a penalty shoot-out on German soil. It was never going to end well for an English side as Liverpool were beaten by Atlético Madrid on spot-kicks.

Not for the first time during the reign of Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool have discovered La Liga rather more formidable than the Bundesliga.

Victories over Hertha Berlin and Bayern Munich were highlights of the past week, but Atlético proved a test too far for a much weakened line-up. It was not so long ago Klopp’s side were dispatching Augsburg and Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League only to succumb to Sevilla. Evidently the Spanish are more adept at recognising and nullifying Klopp's plans, although Liverpool did well to stretch the contest so far.

It should be noted this was a different Liverpool to the one who took on Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena 24 hours earlier, Klopp making nine changes and resting Philippe Coutinho and Mohamed Salah. Daniel Sturridge, who would have started, was left out as he waits to learn if he needs a scan on the thigh injury he picked up on Tuesday.

Early indications are it is not too serious, but he will undergo further tests on Liverpool’s return to Merseyside on Thursday.

Jordan Henderson's miss from the spot proved decisive
Jordan Henderson's miss from the spot proved decisive Credit: REUTERS/Michael Dalder

The gusto of the previous evening was inevitably absent with many of the senior stars. Youngsters Dominic Solanke, Joe Gomez and Ben Woodburn were given further experience against one of the most streetwise sides in Europe and they will consider this a tough education. There was little prospect of the canny Atlético coach Diego Simeone enabling Liverpool to counter-attack with the lethal regularity they had against Bayern Munich. Every time a Liverpool player had the ball they were rapidly surrounded, and there was no space to exploit.

They enjoyed some early moments of encouragement, especially when Woodburn crossed for Solanke’s flicked header on 11 minutes. Welsh teenager Woodburn also volleyed Adam Lallana’s cross.

But in line with what Liverpool can expect frequently on domestic duty, Atletico sat back and waited for their opportunity which duly arrived on 33 minutes.

Sime Vrsaljko’s cross from the right wing was met by Angel Correa and produced a superb reflex save from Danny Ward, the third choice keeper selected for match fitness.

Keidi Bare headed in the rebound.

Although Sadio Mané demonstrated his return to fitness with some excellent touches, Liverpool were blunt without their more formidable attacking pairings. 

Klopp made numerous changes at half-time, introducing Roberto Firmino, Jordan Henderson and new signing Andy Robertson.

The game was petering out until Divock Origi was tripped with seven minutes to go and Firmino struck a penalty past Moya. In the shoot-out, Jordan Henderson’s miss proved decisive and Filipe Luiz stroked home the winner.

Match details

Liverpool (4-3-3) Ward; Flanagan (Matip 45), Klavan, Gomez (Alexendar-Arnold 74), Milner (Robertson 45); Can (Henderson 45), Wijnaldum (Ejaria 64), Lallana (Grujic 45); Mane (Firmino 45), Solanke (Origi 64), Woodburn (Kent 45).

Atlético Madrid (4-4-1-1) Moya; Vrsaljko, Gimenez, Lucas, Sergi; Bare (Gabi 60), Augusto (Griezmann 60), Kranevitter (Filipe Luiz 60), Thomas; Correa; Vietto (Torres 74)

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