Liverpool 3-1 Bayer Leverkusen

Goals:
Sterling 3'
Lucas 30'
Carroll 65'
Sam 75'

That was more like it, a much more reassuring friendly than the three in the USA. Which may have had something to do with the stronger XI, not all that different from the one which faced Gomel on Thursday. It was far stronger than expected, with Gerrard, Suarez, and Lucas all surprise starters. Those left out were those who'll play in international fixtures during the week, most notably Skrtel and Agger (along with Reina, Adam, Carroll, and Coates); only Borini and Johnson didn't feature despite no international duty.

And Liverpool reaped the benefits immediately, with Sterling scoring his first senior goal if only in a friendly after just 128 seconds. Liverpool had kept possession since the opening whistle, on the right flank and in its own half... [via Oh You Beauty]