Liverpool ended their pre-season campaign with defeat as goals from Agüero and Forlan were enough to see Fernando Torres’ former club walk away 2-1 winners from Anfield. Lucas Leiva pulled a goal back for the Reds to set up a grandstand finish, but Liverpool were unable to find an equaliser.

Fernando Torres was Liverpool’s main attacking threat during the 83 minutes he was on the pitch. Atletico keeper Sergio Asenjo however denied the forward on countless occasions as the striker looked to put one over his boyhood club.

Atletico Madrid took the lead on 15 minutes with Liverpool defender Carragher on the sidelines receiving treatment. Antonio Lopez’ cross from the left was flicked on by an un-marked Aguero in the box who made the most of Carragher’s absence.

Fernando Torres burst through the Atletico defense five minutes later, only to be thwarted by Sergio Asenjo in the away goal. The goalkeeper dived at the striker’s feet to clear the danger as the striker bore down on goal.

Moments later the Liverpool number ‘9’ was brought down in the box by a clumsy challenge from Atletico midfielder Assunçao. The referee however thought otherwise and waved the play-on to the surprise of the full-house at Anfield.

Both Torres and Gerrard came close to an equaliser for the Reds as the Merseysiders pegged their rivals deep in their own half.

At the other end, Aguero tested Reina with a lob as the Rojiblancos looked dangerous on the break. And it was against the run of play that Atletico doubled their lead. Diego Forlan curled a 25 yard shot past Reina following some good work by Simao.

Torres almost pulled a goal back for Liverpool straight from the kick-off. The Spaniard beat Asenjo only to see his shot come back off the wordwork. A lucky escape for Atletico Madrid.

The Red number ‘9’ was first to test the Atletico keeper following the restart. Fernando Torres out-jumped his marker in the box, but his downward header was saved by Asenjo almost on his own goal-line.

The ex-Atletico frontman almost carved out a great solo goal on 67 minutes. Torres jinked his way past four players but was denied by an inspired Asenjo in the away goal. And again it was Asenjo who kept Liverpool at bay moments later, punching away a dangerous drive for Torres.

It was one-way traffic as Liverpool surged forward. Atletico’s defense held firm however until nine minutes from time. Lucas Leiva beat the off-side trap to slide the ball past Asenjo.

Torres was replaced by Rafa Benitez on 83 minutes to an ovation from both sets of fans as Atletico held on for a 2-1 victory.


- Match Stats: Liverpool 1-2 Atletico Madrid


Liverpool: Liverpool: Reina, Insua, Carragher (San Jose, 15), Sanchez Ayala, Johnson (Kelly, 74), Benayoun (Voronin, 71), Mascherano (Spearing, 79), Leiva, Kuyt (Babel, 61), Gerrard, Torres (Ngog, 83)

Booked: Johnson

Goals: Leiva 81

Atletico Madrid: Asenjo, Antonio Lopez, Heitinga, Juanito, Ujfalusi, Raul Garcia (santana, 55), Assunçao, Simao, Forlan, Agüero (Jurdao, 82), Maxi,

Booked: Assunçao, Heitinga, Forlan,

Goals: Kun Agüero 15, Forlan 33