Liverpool edged past Monterrey to reach the final of FIFA Club World Cup. The Reds will now meet Flamengo on Saturday in the Final of this prestigious competition. Liverpool’s youth team were beaten by Aston Villa last night in the Carabao Cup. So, the seniors needed to step up to secure a win in this match against Monterrey. The club management of the Reds has given more importance to FIFA Club World Cup. That’s why they agreed to play in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup in the same period of time.
The Story Of This Game And The Competition As A Whole
However, the team selection of Jurgen Klopp would certainly raise some eyebrows. Two of the best players of Liverpool this season, Sadio Mane and Trent Alexander Arnold were left in the bench. Virgil Van Dijk was out of the squad with an illness. Roberto Firmino was also benched and Divock Origi started in place of him. So, it was looking like a second stringed Liverpool side from the starting lineup.
Naby Keita has given Liverpool an important lead in this match at the 12th minute. Mohamed Salah provided a brilliant through ball towards Naby Keita and the midfielder placed it perfectly into the Goal. However, Monterrey came back in the match just two minutes later. Rogelio Funes Mori equalised the scoreline for his side and the pass was provided by Jesus Gallardo.
What A Good-Competitive Game From Both Sides; Which Liverpool Won
Monterrey created a few chances after equalising the scoreline. The goalkeeper of Liverpool, Alisson made some important saves at the crucial moment of the team to keep themselves in the game. Liverpool finished off the first half on a high note. The first half ended with a scoreline of 1-1 at Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar.
Leonel Vangioni was booked just after the beginning of the second half. Joe Gomez was shown a yellow card at the 58th minute of the match. Liverpool was creating the pressure, but they were not able to get another goal as the defensive organization of Monterrey was really tight. As the players in the field were not able to make it count, the manager of Liverpool tried to bring in some fresh legs to change the fate of the match.
Jurgen Klopp took Xherdan Shaqiri out at the 68th minute of the match. Sadio Mane came in the field. Trent Alexander Arnold was brought in place of James Milner at the 75th minute.
The Story Of The Club World Cup; Liverpool Is In The Final
Jesus Gallardo was shown a yellow card at the 78th minute of the match. The manager of Monterrey took off Cesar Montes at the 79th minute. Miguel Layun was brought in his place. On the other hand, Maximiliano Meza came into the field in place of Dorlan Pabon.
At the 86th minute, Jurgen Klopp brought in Roberto Firmino in place of Divock Origi and the change worked well. Roberto Firmino snatched the winner for his side at the 92nd minute of the match. The pass was provided by Trent Alexander Arnold this time. The match ended with a scoreline of 2-1 in favour of Liverpool at Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar.
