Liverpool under-18s were left to rue missed chances as they were beaten heavily at Manchester City.
Barry Lewtas's side dominated the early period but were eventually consigned to a 5-2 U18 Premier League reverse at the Manchester City Football Academy on Saturday.
The young Reds, having switched to three at the back, started much the stronger and should have been awarded a penalty when Tom Hill was fouled, but had only Jake Cain's 22nd-minute opener to show for their domination.
It allowed City to draw level through James McAtee 11 minutes later before Niall Brookwell headed Liverpool back in front from a corner on the stroke of half-time.
The second half, though, belonged to City, with debutant Liverpool goalkeeper Jakub Ojrzynski picking the ball out of the net four times.
Liam Delap drew the hosts level on 49 minutes from close range and then scored his second shortly after the hour.
City skipper D'Margio Wright-Phillips - son of Shaun Wright-Phillips and grandson of Ian Wright - netted the home team's fourth before substitute Jamie Bynoe-Gittens completed the scoring.
Liverpool U18s are next in action on Tuesday in their UEFA Youth League group opener at Napoli.
LIVERPOOL U18s: Ojrzynski, Walls (Bradley 76), Norris (Beck 83), Savage, Koumetio, Clarkson, Brookwell, Cain, Stewart, Hill, Ritaccio (Morton 70). Subs: Davies, Balagizi.
