An experimental Liverpool side were held to a goalless draw by La Liga side Villarreal this evening at the El Madrigal Stadium.
Robbie Keane made his Liverpool debut alongside fellow new signing David Ngog in an attacking three alongside Andriy Voronin. They played the first 45 minutes before seven changes at half-time saw another forward grab his debut, youngster Krisztian Nemeth joining Kuyt and Dani Pacheco up front.
Goalkeeper Pepe Reina, for whom the match was organised as part of the deal which saw him transfer from Villareal to Liverpool three years ago, played the last 10 minutes – the man he replaced, Diego Cavalieri had put in an impressive performance.
Fernando Torres saw his first action since Euro 2008, replacing Nemeth on 70 minutes, while Xabi Alonso and Steve Finnan also saw their first action of pre-season.
Liverpool were sporting their new grey away kit in the heat of the El Madigral Stadium. Prior to kick off Liverpool’s Spanish quarter of Reina, Alonso, Arbeloa and Torres showed off the Euro 2008 trophy and received a heroes welcome, along with Villareal’s three Spanish internationals.
Robbie Keane and David Ngog both had opportunities to open the scoring on their debuts in the first half.
Liverpool Team Cavalieri, Darby, Skrtel, Hyypia, Dossena, Plessis, Gerrard, Benayoun, Voronin, Keane, Ngog. Subs: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Insua, Arbeloa, Alonso, Pennant, Spearing, Nemeth, Torres, Kuyt, Pacheco.
