Europe provided scant comfort for Liverpool's first team this week.
However, the academy experienced a rather different tale. A thrilling stoppage-time strike from Trent Kone-Doherty proved enough to secure Liverpool's U19 team a 1-0 UEFA Youth League triumph over PSV Eindhoven at Kirkby on Wednesday and confirm progression to the knockout rounds with a match remaining.
Having accumulated 10 points from five games, Liverpool has already assured itself of a top 22 position in the 36-team competition and advancement to the last 32, where the table qualifiers are joined by 10 sides who have progressed through the 'Domestic Champions' route.
Rob Page's team owed much to several excellent individual displays, particularly from 18-year-old Carter Pinnignton, who began in defensive midfield before moving to his more familiar center-back position shortly after the interval following Prince Cisse's injury.
"I’ve been impressed with his development," said Page. "In preseason, he was a little bit frustrated with the lack of minutes at center-back, as we had Rhys Williams in the squad, Amara Nallo and Wellity Lucky, but when he was asked to play in midfield as a six, he gave the best he could.
"His attitude is second to none. When you have that attitude and a willingness to work, then you have a chance. He’s a great lad to work with every day, always has a smile on his face and wants to get better. And that’s the foundation you need to be a top player.
Rob Page is Liverpool's youth manager
Rob Page is Liverpool's youth manager (Image: Getty Images)
"I’m looking forward to working with him in the future. I worked with (former Chelsea player and current Wales international) Ethan Amapadu, who is now at Leeds, and I used to play him center-back or in midfield, and Carter is very similar to Ethan.
"If you have another string to your bow and you can play in multiple positions, it adds value. I know I can trust him as a six."
Cisse's exit provided a maiden UEFA Youth League opportunity for 17-year-old midfielder Haydn Murray-Holme, who has been making waves since moving up to the U18s this campaign. "Haydn was outstanding," said Page.
"It’s no coincidence that we took control of the midfield in the second half when he was on. He got the ball, he was brave with his passing options, he wasn’t just safe going backwards and square, he wasn’t afraid to play through the lines, and I was really pleased with him."
Page also disclosed positive fitness news regarding two lengthy injury absentees, Luke Chambers and Will Wright.
Left-back Chambers has been plagued by an ongoing back problem that forced him to return to Liverpool in March from a season-long loan stint at Wigan, while teenage striker Wright, a summer arrival from Salford City, has been sidelined with knee ligament damage sustained in the goalless UEFA Youth League curtain-raiser at home to Atletico Madrid in September.
Page commented: "Luke Chambers and Will Wright are both back on the grass, so that's positive news for them. Chambo has been with us the last couple of weeks, he's a real exciting player.
"Will is having more sessions, getting ready for game time. We are getting more and more bodies back on the pitch. We are trying to organize a few friendlies, and that will give players an opportunity to get minutes ahead of January."