Liverpool FC - Athletic Club U23

Athletic Club U21s came from behind to beat Liverpool FC in a convincing manner at The Academy, the English side's training centre.

After going a goal down, Carlos Gurpegui's Cubs fought back with goals from Elijah Gift, Ibai Asenjo and Asier Hierro to ensure a well deserved victory in Merseyside.

What's more, we had some special fans in attendance. The stands in Kirkby were covered in red and white thanks to the young footballers from Stocky Bilbao, a children's side in the region formed by Stephen Lally, a passionate Athletic and Everton fan. The youngsters, wearing their Athletic strips and waving scarves and posters, cheered on our team from the first minute until the last.

The home side took the lead in the 27th minute via Lewis Koumas. However, Gift found a leveller shortly before the break.

Los Rojiblancos went up a gear in the second half with Asenjo putting us in the lead before Hierro sealed the deal in injury time.

In sporting terms, the home side took the lead in the 27th minute through Koumas. Before the break, Gift equalised and both teams went to the dressing rooms with the scores level. 

In the second half, the Red and Whites went one better and Asenjo and Hierro, the latter in extra time, put the game to bed.

At the end of the match, the Athletic Club players, accompanied by club president Jon Uriarte, greeted the 70 Stocky Bilbao kids and presented them with an array of gifts, including pins, team photos, small pennants and a couple of strips signed by our respective first teams.

*Photos belong to Liverpool FC and John Middleton.