Spartak Moscow U19 2-1 Liverpool U19: Steven Gerrard's youngsters lose in Russia after taking the lead

  • Adam Lewis had given Liverpool an early lead away in Russia on Tuesday
  • Two goals either side of half-time from Aleksandr Rudenko settled the tie
  • The Reds' young guns return to action in the UEFA Youth League against Maribor

Liverpool's Under 19s took the lead in Russia but eventually slipped to defeat against Spartak Moscow in the UEFA Youth League on Tuesday.

Steven Gerrard's young guns were ahead early on through Adam Lewis, before two goals from Aleksandr Rudenko either side of half-time settled the tie.

Gerrard named the same side that had dispensed with Sevilla 4-0 less than a fortnight ago, with Wales star Ben Woodburn captaining the team once again.

Steven Gerrard gives a thumbs up to onlookers during Liverpool Under 19s' loss in Russia

Steven Gerrard gives a thumbs up to onlookers during Liverpool Under 19s' loss in Russia

Despite taking the lead through Adam Lewis, the young Reds slipped to a 2-1 defeat

Despite taking the lead through Adam Lewis, the young Reds slipped to a 2-1 defeat

Lewis celebrates after opening the scoring for Liverpool against Spartak Moscow

Lewis celebrates after opening the scoring for Liverpool against Spartak Moscow

Lewis' stunning drive on the half-volley had put the away side ahead in Moscow, but they were pegged back just six minutes later.


There was more than a slice of luck about it, though, as Rudenko's free-kick from distance took a deflection and beat Kamil Grabara in between the sticks.

The forward then slotted home the winner in the 57th minute for the home side.

Gerrard made changes to force the issue but when defender Conor Masterson saw red 15 minutes from time, Liverpool's kids were unable to grab an equaliser.

With a win and a defeat taken from their opening two games, the young Reds will be hoping for a positive result when they come up against Maribor next. 

After beginning with a win against Sevilla, a brace from Aleksandr Rudenko was the difference

Wales international Ben Woodburn captained Liverpool as he had against Sevilla

Wales international Ben Woodburn captained Liverpool as he had against Sevilla

The Liverpool Under 19s coach shakes the hands of the match officials after the final whistle

The Liverpool Under 19s coach shakes the hands of the match officials after the final whistle