LIVERPOOL FC under-19s opened the new NextGen Series with a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Sporting Lisbon at Anfield last night.

Liverpool are one of five from Britain in the new 16-team European tournament which is billed as a ‘Youth Champions League’. But Rodolfo Borrell’s side including Jonjo Shelvey, Conor Coady, Raheem Sterling, Adam Morgan, Jack Robinson and Andre Wisdom opened their Group Two campaign with a defeat.

Sporting Lisbon took the lead on 25 minutes as Teixeira slipped home from 12 yards.

Toni Silva shot just over the bar, while Morgan was wide with another effort. But Liverpool were left to rue those misses on 37 minutes as Sporting made it 2-0 through Coelho.

Liverpool should have pulled a goal back but Suso fired over with the goal at his mercy after a fine pull-back from Morgan.

After the break Liverpool tried to hit back and waves of attacks rained down on the Kop goal. On the hour Sterling saw a rasping drive beaten away and substitute Michael Ngoo also fired over.

Then from Ngoo’s excellent run and cross fellow substitute Krisztian Adorjan hit the base of the post. And Sterling saw another effort deflected over, while Adorjan was also denied by the keeper.

In the end Liverpool just couldn’t find a way through. And Sporting added a stunning third with five minutes left through substitute Rosa.

Liverpool play their second match against Molde in Norway on September 7.