Liverpool U19s set up a mouthwatering UEFA Youth League quarter-final tie with Sporting CP after defeating FC Porto on penalties on an action-packed night at Kirkby.
Jorge Meireles kept his cool to stroke home a controversial penalty early in the first half to hand the visitors a shock lead but Reds forward Melkamu Frauendorf made sure penalties would be required at the Academy as he drew his side level 10 minutes after the break.
Porto were unable to capitalise on Ben Doak’s missed penalty as Barry Lewtas’ side kept their cool to dispatch their remaining five efforts. Jesus Diaz - the brother of Liverpool star Luis - smashed his effort against the crossbar to hinder his side’s hope of securing European glory this campaign. A further penalty was then dispatched by Luca Stephenson, with a miss from Umaro Cande wrapping it up for the Reds.
