Dubai – Jurgen Klopp declared at full time that he likes everything about Dubai so far except for Liverpool’s performance here.
Liverpool took the lead after just 38 seconds at the Al-Maktoum stadium in front of 14,851 people.
Fabio Carvalho reacted quickest to give Liverpool an early lead from close range.
Mohamed Salah failed to convert a penalty on the 14th minute after Roberto Firmino was brought down following a terrific one-two between the pair. Liverpool were sharp early on, particularly Roberto Firmino.
Lyon initially struggled to cope with Liverpool’s fast tempo. After a bright first half Liverpool faded in the second.
Melkamu Frauendorf replaced Harvey Elliott just before the half-hour mark. Elliott immediately went for treatment down the tunnel. It is yet another injury concern for Jurgen Klopp. Klopp declared afterwards that he does not believe the injury is serious. “Harvey got a knock before we scored. I think we were lucky. He feels fine.”
Caoimhin Kelleher was called into action on the 34th minute and stood tall to deny Moussa Dembele from close range. Lyon had broken through smart play from Alexander Lacazette.
Lacazette did score before half-time after a mix up between Kelleher and Robertson. Lacazette walked it in from close range.
Jurgen Klopp made a number of changes at half-time with Naby Keita making his long awaited return on the hour mark. Ben Doak, Luke Chambers, Dominic Corness and Layton Stewart came on along with Keita.
Calvin Ramsay was introduced at half-time and immediately went close with a powerful effort on his left foot. It fizzed past the post to go just wide.
Ramsay was both impressive offensively and defensively.
In the second half Lyon proved too strong for Liverpool. Tete and Cherki were lively. Malo Gusto hugged the touchline and added an extra dimension to Lyon’s play.
Lyon took the lead after a great run from Rayan Cherki on the 65th minute. Bradley Barcola scored with a cool finish past Adrian. Barcola was impressive throughout. Klopp will feel that there was not enough pressure on Cherki’s run as he glided into the box.
Lyon began to dominate as the second half progressed and Liverpool’s youngster failed to threaten Antony Lopes’ goal. Cherki showed his class in the middle of the field after Laurent Blanc introduced him.
Alexander Lacazette made it 3-1 with a powerful left footed strike with less than 10 minutes to go after an initial great save from Adrian. His second point blank stop.
Lyon were too good in the second half for Liverpool and ran out comfortable winners.
Jurgen Klopp will be happy to get game time back in to Naby Keita, there was some valuable experience for Liverpool’s youngsters too.
Lyon went on to also win the penalty shootout (5-3) to gain an additional point in the Dubai Super Cup.
Jurgen Klopp revealed afterwards that Darwin Nunez will join up with the squad tomorrow. The English contingent will not join up with the squad in Dubai. “Everyone gets a week off after the World Cup”, he added.
