Lucas Leiva and Andriy Voronin scored two wonderful goals as Liverpool enjoyed a 2-1 win over Swiss side FC Lucerne on Wednesday evening.
Dani Pacheco continued to impress, showing some nice touches in the first half in particular and assisting Lucas’ opening goal on 10 minutes. Lucas himself was impressive throughout and played the full 90 minutes.
Lucerne equalised shortly after new signing Philipp Degen was beat in the air at the back post allowing the ball to be headed back across the six yard line for Gavranovic to tap in.
Liverpool’s lead was restored by Voronin who chipped the goalkeeper with a beautiful finish.
Match Report by Michael Sinnerton
Liverpool’s pre-season continued with their first game in Switzerland, against FC Lucerne. A quiet opening with some good combination play down the right between Degen and Benayoun was matched on the left with Leto looking particularly good when attacking his fullback.
Just ten minutes in though and Insua won a free-kick which was quickly taken and the ball found Pacheco who showed good strength and awareness before slipping a beautiful angled ball through to Lucas who calmly found the net with a simple finish. Lucerne replied immediately when Degen was beaten in the air at the far post and Cavalieri (who generally looked nervous) caught slightly out of position for Gavranovic to have the easiest tasks of squaring the game up. Liverpool reassumed control fairly easily although with both full backs looking slightly suspect, Degen in particular was caught out twice by simple balls over his head. Voronin, Pacheco, Lucas and Benayoun continued to try and play one touch football but either the final ball was somewhat lacking or the chances were squandered, with both Pacheco and Benayoun wasting decent scoring chances by somewhat dithering over their finishes.
Who is Dani Pacheco?
Liverpool continued to press albeit with the Swiss side looking a slight threat on their almost walking pace counter-attacks. However a moment of rare quality proved the difference, as a simple pass from Lucas found Voronin in space on the edge of the area. A quick turn allied with little pressure gave the Ukrainian time to look up a send a delightful chip over the stranded keeper. Liverpool should have added a third before half-time when Benayoun created down the left chances for first Pacheco who dithered on the ball and then Leto who dragged the shot wide. Overall though Rafa Benitez will have been happy with the first half showing.
Half-time brought changes with Babel, Skrtel, Hyypia and Darby all introduced. Pacheco and Voronin again combined nicely at the start of the half, although the game soon became fractured and lost its rhythm. Liverpool stayed in control almost throughout the second half with only Insua caught out too easily. Aurelio, Spearing, Mascherano and Kuyt were all introduced throughout the half although each made little impression due to the slow pace of the game. Liverpool seemed comfortable in possession and with the Swiss not having the quality to harm them, the rare moments of entertainment tended to be through the front two or Lucas getting forward. In fact on a rare counter-attack, Lucas slipped in Voronin who shot just wide.
Overall Benitez will be happy with some of his first team regulars getting their first run-outs and good displays from Lucas, Voronin and Pacheco in particular.
Download match highlights here
Team: Cavalieri, Degen (Darby), Carragher (Skrtel), Agger (Hyypia), Insua (Aurelio), Benayoun (Babel), Lucas, Plessis (Spearing), Leto (), Pacheco (Mascherano), Voronin (Kuyt)
