Liverpool suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Monaco at Anfield on Sunday, August 9, despite racing into a two-goal lead during an impressive first half of their pre-season friendly.

The Reds looked in complete control after Alexander Isak opened the scoring in the 16th minute. Florian Wirtz then doubled the advantage 12 minutes later, putting Liverpool 2-0 up before the half-hour mark.

Yet once again, a comfortable lead proved anything but safe for the Reds. The pattern will be an uncomfortable one for Liverpool: after surrendering sizeable advantages on several occasions last season and during the current pre-season campaign, another two-goal cushion slipped away at Anfield.

Aleksandr Golovin gave Monaco a lifeline just before half-time, converting from the penalty spot in the 44th minute. The goal changed the momentum of the contest.

After the break, Monaco were a completely different side. The visitors began to dominate proceedings and looked increasingly comfortable at a stadium where Liverpool had started the afternoon in complete control.

Mika Biereth completed the comeback in the 56th minute, before Paris Brunner delivered the decisive blow two minutes from full-time. His 88th-minute goal completed a remarkable turnaround and condemned Liverpool to a 3-2 defeat.

Pre-season Friendly

Liverpool 2-3 Monaco (2-1)
Goals: Alexander Isak, 16' (1-0); Florian Wirtz, 29' (2-0); Aleksandr Golovin, 44' (2-1, penalty); Mika Biereth, 56' (2-2); Paris Brunner, 88' (2-3).