Liverpool 4-1 AC Milan: Darwin Nunez scores twice from the bench on return from the World Cup, adding to Thiago Alcantara and Mohamed Salah strikes… but Reds miss out on bonus point by losing penalty shootout
- Liverpool ended the Dubai Super Cup with an impressive win over AC Milan
- Darwin Nunez scored twice from the bench in the Dubai Super Cup match
- Mohamed Salah and Thiago Alcantara had given Liverpool a first half lead
- Jurgen Klopp’s side will face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup next week
Darwin Nunez scored twice on his Liverpool return from World Cup disappointment as Jurgen Klopp’s side enjoyed an impressive 4-1 win over AC Milan at the Dubai Super Cup.
Nunez was introduced from the bench on the hour mark in Dubai, with the Uruguayan scoring twice in the final 10 minutes.
The 23-year-old added to first half goals from Mohamed Salah and Thiago, while Alexis Salemaekers on target for the reigning Italian champions.
Darwin Nunez came off the bench to score twice in Liverpool’s 4-1 win over AC Milan
Mohamed Salah scored Liverpool’s opener four minutes into the first half in Dubai
Salah had given the lead four minutes into the match at the Al-Maktoum Stadium, after being found in the box by Joel Matip following the defender’s driving run forward.
Liverpool dominated possession in the stages, but saw Milan strike back through the lively Alexis Saelemaekers on the half hour mark.
Saelemaekers cut inside Andy Robertson and fired a low effort beyond the dive of Caoimhin Kelleher into the far corner.
Liverpool responded well to the setback with Salah and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain going close, before Thiago stuck four minutes from half-time.
Thiago scored the pick of Liverpool’s goals with a driven effort on the stroke of half-time
The Spaniard drilled a low effort into the far corner, with Milan goalkeeper Antonio Mirante left helpless.
Youns El Hilal struck the Liverpool crossbar with a curling strike in the second half, before Nunez took centre stage.
The Uruguayan broke clear to finish impressively with nine minutes remaining, having been sent through on goal be a defence splitting pass from Bobby Clark.
Nunez scored a second from close range in the dying minutes, tapping in after Ben Doak’s right wing cross.
Liverpool were beaten 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out to conclude the friendly tournament, which was won by Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Klopp’s side will instead focus on their return to domestic action with the Reds facing Manchester City in the Carabao Cup in six days’ time, before a meeting with Aston Villa in the Premier League on Boxing Day.
Follow Sportsmail’s live blog for the Dubai Super Cup clash between Liverpool and AC Milan.
