Source: Liverpool_Echo
Liverpool FC 1-2 Atletico Madrid: Match Report
Lucas Leiva[LNB]Liverpool's patchy pre-season form continued with another defeat, despite a late flurry and a rare Lucas Leiva strike.[LNB]Atletico Madrid were two ahead at the break and deserved their win, as Liverpool's injury worries worsened.[LNB]Their preparations for the new season were not helped by the sight of Jamie Carragher limping out of this sell-out friendly.[LNB]Anfield's most experienced defender lasted just 12 minutes against the Spanish club as he suffered an ankle injury. A touchline conversation with club doctor Mark Waller was followed by the 31 year-old disappearing down the tunnel for treatment.[LNB]Considering boss Rafael Benitez's injury crisis in defence, losing the vice-captain and defensive leader was the last thing he wanted.[LNB]Initial diagnosis was a "turned" ankle, and his departure was precautionary. Certainly in the current situation, his recovery for next week will be a priority as he will be needed at Tottenham for the Premier League opener next weekend.[LNB]Benitez has seen Sami Hyypia depart, while Martin Skrtel (hamstring) and Daniel Agger (back) are major doubts for the trip to White Hart Lane.[LNB]Alvaro Arbeloa has also gone, while Fabio Aurelio will not play until nearer Christmas with a knee injury, leaving Liverpool's defensive numbers diminished.[LNB]Liverpool spent the rest of the match with untried Spanish youngsters Danny Ayala and Mikel San Jose, fresh faced from the reserves, confronting the outstanding Argentina star Sergio Aguero, one of the best strikers in Europe.[LNB]Aguero soon started to take advantage. He dived to head home a cross from Simao, and then produced the back-heel that set-up former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan for a second before the break.
