Liverpool's Start Stumbles Against Bayern Munich: An Unexpected Pre-Season Loss in Singapore

Liverpool endured their inaugural pre-season loss as an extraordinary stoppage-time goal by 20-year-old Frans Kratzig propelled Bayern Munich to a 4-3 victory in Singapore. Impressive scoring from Liverpool's Dutch pair Cody Gakpo (2) and Virgil van Dijk (28) initially granted them a dominant advantage at the 30-minute mark. However, Bayern mounted a comeback, with Serge Gnabry (33) and Leroy Sane (42) equalizing just before halftime.

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Cody Gakpo celebrates scoring the opening goal against Bayern Munich. Alexis Mac Allister, who began in midfield alongside Dominik Szoboszlai with Curtis Jones playing as a defensive midfielder, had to be substituted at halftime due to a knee injury.

Diaz substituted and restored Liverpool's lead (66), assisted by Mo Salah within the box. However, Bayern managed to equalize once again with Josip Stanisic (80) before Kratzig secured the victory (90+1). Bayern began the game with 18-year-old forward Mathys Tel leading their attack, as talks for Tottenham striker Harry Kane persist, leaving them without a senior No 9 in their squad.

How Liverpool came undone against Bayern

Liverpool got off to a quick start, with Gakpo and Diogo Jota combining effectively for a one-two that sliced through Bayern's high defensive line. Within just two minutes, the talented Dutch forward unleashed a left-footed shot to put the Reds ahead, 1-0.

Shortly thereafter, Min-Jae Kim, who had previously been a target for Manchester United before joining Bayern, made a crucial defensive block. In a bid to increase Liverpool's lead, Mohamed Salah was denied by Kim's timely intervention inside the penalty area.

Jones once again occupied the No 6 position for Liverpool as they continue their search for midfield replacements following the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to the Saudi Pro League. Although the 22-year-old displayed composure in possession, he was occasionally caught out defensively as Bayern posed a threat, with Benjamin Pavard narrowly missing a header.

At the half-hour mark, Van Dijk demonstrated his aerial prowess by meeting Andy Robertson's corner from the right and emphatically heading in a goal, further extending Liverpool's lead. Notably, this achievement coincided with him being entrusted with the captain's armband for the week.

Bayern swiftly replied, scoring a goal five minutes later. Gnabry was skillfully found by Kim, who delivered an early ball over the top. The distance between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joel Matip allowed Gnabry to take advantage of the situation. Despite a potential offside, the German international managed to reduce the deficit.

Continuing his impressive performance, Gnabry became the provider by delivering a precise low cross into the box, finding Sane, the former Manchester City forward. In a well-executed move, the 27-year-old found a way past Alisson, resulting in an equalizer just before halftime.

As a precautionary measure, Mac Allister was substituted after sustaining an injury, prompting Liverpool to introduce Ibrahima Konate, Darwin Nunez, and Luis Diaz in place of Matip, Mac Allister, and Jota. Although Nunez had several promising opportunities, he was unable to hit the target in the second half. However, Diaz managed to make a significant contribution by meeting Salah's cross inside the box, swiftly controlling the ball, and calmly finishing to restore Liverpool's lead.

Kingsley Coman, who was also introduced in the second half, posed a genuine danger for Bayern. However, Alisson made a solid save to prevent him from scoring. Despite the French international's impressive crosses into the box from wide positions, Bayern could not capitalize on them. Nonetheless, their persistence paid off when Stanisic scored from close range after Alisson could only push away Matthijs de Ligt's header, allowing the Bayern substitute to seize the opportunity.

Liverpool head to Stamford Bridge for PL opener

Kratzig, an unexpected replacement, shocked Liverpool by successfully receiving a pass from one side of the field while in motion. He then unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that went beyond Alisson, securing the victory for Bayern.

Mauricio Pochettino will take charge of the Blues in his first game during the opening weekend fixture. Everton will visit Anfield for the first Merseyside derby of the season on October 21. Jurgen Klopp's team will face champions Man City at the Etihad on November 25, followed by back-to-back home matches against Man Utd and Arsenal on December 16 and 23 respectively.

Liverpool has challenging fixtures at home against Chelsea and away to Arsenal on January 31 and February 3, along with a visit from Manchester City on March 9. Afterwards, Liverpool will travel across Stanley Park to face Everton the following week. Klopp's team will then visit Old Trafford on April 6, and will end the season with a home match against Wolves.

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