Liverpool U19s were well beaten by a strong Real Madrid youth side as Trey Nyoni and his team lost 4-0 in the UEFA Youth League.
Liverpool U19s 0-4 Real Madrid U19s
UEFA Youth League (4), Kirkby Academy
November 4, 2025
Goals: Ortega 14′, Perez 49′, Barroso 76′, Aguado 90+3′
Five of Liverpool’s squad that lost to Crystal Palace in last week’s Carabao Cup tie started against Real Madrid in Kirkby.
Notably, the usual defensive pairing of Wellity Lucky and and Amara Nallo were absent, so Emmanuel Airoboma and Carter Pinnington started at centre-half while Alvin Ayman and Djbril Cisse’s son, Prince, played at left-back and right-back respectively.
The Reds’ attack was strong on paper, with Kieran Morrison, Trent Kone-Doherty and inform striker Keyol Figueroa all starting as Josh Sonni-Lambie played in the No. 10 role.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Tuesday, November 4, 2025: Liverpool's Alvin Ayman during the UEFA Youth League match between Liverpool FC Under-19's and Real Madrid CF Under-19's at the Liverpool Academy. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Madrid were the stronger team from the off, though, opening the scoring after 13 minutes thanks to forward Jacobo Ortega, who converted a pull-back from the byline.
While Liverpool were keeping the ball well, Madrid were solid at the back and almost capitalised on lapse of concentration from Nyoni, tackling the midfielder on the edge of Liverpool’s box before hitting the crossbar.
HT: Liverpool U19s 0-1 Real Madrid U19s
It didn’t take Madrid long to double their lead after half time, Adrian Perez turning home an inswinging corner at the near post with a first-time finish.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Tuesday, November 4, 2025: Liverpool's Kieran Morrison (L) gets past Real Madrid's Adrian Perez during the UEFA Youth League match between Liverpool FC Under-19's and Real Madrid CF Under-19's at the Liverpool Academy. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
In an effort to change things, coach Rob Page soon brought on Joe Bradshaw for Sonni-Lambie, with the oncomer playing on the right as Morrison moved infield behind the striker.
Liverpool’s next change came in the 68th minute and saw talented young midfielder Ollie O’Connor come on to play right-back, with Aireboma making way and Cisse shuffling across to centre-back.
Madrid were no longer creating chances, but neither were Liverpool. Any momentum Liverpool were building was halted by a clash of heads involving Figueroa which left the No. 9 down requiring treatment.
Before Figueroa had even returned to pitch, Madrid had made it 3-0 thanks to a swift counter-attack finished brilliantly by Jaime Barroso’s left foot across the ‘keeper.
Page’s final roll of the dice was to take off Joe Upton, replacing him next to Nyoni with AJ Yeguo who turned 16 years old in August.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Tuesday, November 4, 2025: Liverpool's Trent Kone-Doherty (L) is challenged by Real Madrid's Javi Bailón during the UEFA Youth League match between Liverpool FC Under-19's and Real Madrid CF Under-19's at the Liverpool Academy. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool couldn’t find a consolation, though, and tempers flared – Pinnington involved himself in a melee before the impressive Diego Aguado scored Los Blancos’ fourth.
Despite the defeat, Liverpool are still in a good position to qualify for the play-off round of the UEFA Youth League, having taken seven points from four matches in total.
Left to play in the league phase for the under-19s are PSV at home and Internazionale away.
Liverpool U19s: Hall; Airoboma (O’Connor 68′), Pinnington, Cisse, Ayman; Upton (Yeguo 82′), Nyoni; Morrison, Sonni-Lambie (Bradshaw 52′), Kone-Doherty; Figueroa
Subs not used: Bernard, Wright, Murray-Holme, Lee Forrester, Inglethorpe
Next Match: Nottingham Forest U18s (H) – U18 Premier League – Sat, Nov 8, 12pm (GMT)