Liverpool's U19s were held to a 0-0 draw by Villarreal in the UEFA Youth League at the Kirkby Academy on Tuesday afternoon. The visitors, coached by former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, resisted the better chances created by the hosts.
Captain Will Wright shot over after an early passing move. Oliver O'Connor also missed the target, while Mor Talla Ndiaye forced a save with a powerful header.
Both goalkeepers involved
Wright's low delivery found Finn Inglethorpe across the six-yard area, but the forward could not direct his sliding attempt on goal. Villarreal then developed a response.
Bailey Hall stopped Raul Garcia's low shot from outside the box and dived left to deny Carrasco Gonzalez. Liverpool returned to the front foot after half-time, with Wright unable to turn an O'Connor cross on target using his chest.
Substitute AJ Yeguo delivered dangerous balls from wide areas. Josh Sonni-Lambie forced a strong save and later volleyed Alvin Ayman's cross just wide.
Late chances remain unconverted
Villarreal's Moussa Traore sent a half-volley over, but Liverpool continued to look more likely to score. Wright had a shot blocked and headed over from close range, while Inglethorpe prodded another opportunity wide under pressure.
Erik Farkas had two important chances late on. A crowded penalty-area sequence ended with his shot hitting the goalkeeper's legs, before Pablo Polo blocked another attempt from Yeguo's cutback deep into added time. The youth fixture therefore finished without a goal, with the final saves preserving a point for each side.