BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 21, 2018: Liverpool's substitute Rafael Camacho celebrates scoring the second goal during the UEFA Youth League Quarter-Final match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC at Prenton Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Woodburn on target as Gerrard’s Reds advance to quarter finals – Liverpool U19s 2-0 Man United U19s

Liverpool saw off Man United in the UEFA Youth League at Prenton Park, thanks to goals from Ben Woodburn and Rafa Camacho.

Liverpool U19s 2-0 Man United U19s

UEFA Youth League Last 16, Prenton Park
Wednesday, 21 February 2018

Goals

Woodburn 11′ (assist: Williams)
Camacho 77′

Steven Gerrard‘s U19s hosted their north-west rivals, coached by former United midfielder Nicky Butt, at Prenton Park on Wednesday afternoon in the UEFA Youth League last 16.

Gerrard had Ben Woodburn in his squad and the talisman lined up in a No.10 role for the Reds, dictating play early on.

Liverpool controlled the opening proceedings and took the lead when Woodburn headed in at back post from Neco Williams‘ cross in the 11th minute.

BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 21, 2018: Liverpool's captain Ben Woodburn celebrates scoring the first goal during the UEFA Youth League Quarter-Final match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC at Prenton Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool controlled the opening half an hour and the visitors struggled for any opportunities.

United grew into the game after the half hour, though, and saw Tahith Chong hit the bar with their first effort of the match.

Liverpool almost doubled their lead just before half-time when midfielder Elijah Dixon-Bonner struck the crossbar from the edge of the box.

  • Woodburn gives Liverpool a deserved lead
  • Sub Camacho seals win with superb strike
  • Reds to play Man City in quarter finals

A rough challenge from Tyrell Warren on Liam Millar early in the second half set the tone, with United at times cutting frustrated opponents against a lively Liverpool side.

Curtis Jones went close just after the hour mark, forcing a save, as Liverpool continued to dominate. Dixon-Bonner again went close.

A save by Reds’ keeper Kamil Grabara from a close-range header off a free kick denied United an equaliser.

And a superb strike from substitute Rafael Camacho with 12 minutes remaining gave the home side a deserved 2-0 lead. The Portuguese, who signed from Man City in 2016, cut in from the right and unleashed a lovely left foot shot into the far corner.

It was a deserved win for the young Reds, with plenty of players impressing individually but mostly it was a solid team performance.

Special credit should go to young right-back Neco Williams whose assist supplied Woodburn’s opener, with the 16-year-old impressing on his first performance in European competition.

Winger Bobby Adekanye was also a threat on the right wing, constantly running at defenders and winning fouls before he was withdrawn due to injury.

Gerrard’s side will face Man City in the last eight in March.


TIA Man of the Match: Bobby Adekanye

Liverpool: Grabara; Williams, Masterson, Johnston, Lewis; Kane, Dixon-Bonner, Woodburn; Millar (Clayton 82), Jones, Adekanye (Camacho 71).

Subs not used: Williams, Jaros, Boyes, Larouci, McAuley

Next Match: Chelsea (away, Friday 16th September)

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