Liverpool’s Under-21s were convincing winners over Paris Saint-Germain in the Premier League International Cup, triumphing 4-2 at the Kirkby Academy on Wednesday night.
The victory means the Reds now sit second in the competition behind Everton having taken six points from their first two fixtures.
Two goals from Billy Koumetio either side of a Luke Chambers penalty gave the hosts a commanding lead at the break before Oludare Olufunwa grabbed a goal when he pounced at a corner early in the second half.
READ MORE: Liverpool Under-18s suffer major scare as FA Youth Cup shock threatened at Port Vale
READ MORE: Liverpool chairman Tom Werner makes 'not for sale' statement after major Boston Red Sox deal
Jake Cain had the first chance in the opening stages when a long ball over the top sent him scampering clear. His effort flashed across the face of goal and was saved by PSG goalkeeper Lucas Lavallee.
Cain was sent through again after a surging run from Jarell Quansah before forcing another save prior to chances for both James Norris and Chambers.
It felt very much like a goal was coming for the hosts but few would have predicted how it eventually arrived. The outstanding Koumetio, on his first appearance since returning from loan in Vienna, scored with an outrageous effort from his own half.
After seeing his strike loop over the keeper, the centre-back deservedly took the acclaim of his team-mates as he marked his comeback in stunning style.
Chambers made it 2-0 from the penalty spot after the bright Mateusz Musialowski was brought down after rounding the keeper. It was nothing less than Barry Lewtas’s dominant side deserved before the half-hour mark.
Koumetio had his second of the game before half-time when he nodded in from close range to give the scoreline the sheen it deserved from Liverpool’s perspective.
Olufunwa made it 4-0 after the break when he reacted quickest at a corner after Koumetio had been denied a remarkable hat-trick.
Harvey Davies was largely untroubled but made a smart fingertip save onto the roof of the net after a well-worked free-kick routine from the French side.
However, the Childwall goalkeeper was furious to see his goal breached when Tony Mendy broke free of the Reds’ defence to score a consolation for the Parisians.
They tjem added a second late on to give the scoreline a flattering look for a team who stay rock bottom of the table having now suffered four straight defeats.
READ NEXT:
Moises Caicedo fuels Liverpool transfer speculation after social media 'like'
Liverpool might be forced to review Diogo Jota demands as injury return date draws nearer
Man City and Arsenal fans can't complain as Liverpool cup draw disadvantage becomes clear
FSG insiders have hinted at two long-term targets that will impact Liverpool sale
FSG ignored Carlo Ancelotti warning and Liverpool are now paying the price
