Christian Benteke struck a superb volley on his debut as Liverpool battled past English third-tier side Swindon Town 2-1 in a friendly at the County Ground on Sunday. .
The Belgian international moved to Anfield last month from Premier League rivals Aston Villa after the Reds agreed to pay his A?32.5m (46.2 million euros; $50.7 million dollars) release clause.
Benteke gave Liverpool fans cause for optimism ahead of the new season after scoring a wonderful opening goal against the Wiltshire side.
Swindon — who missed out on promotion to the Championship last season after a 4-0 defeat to Preston North End in the League One play-off final — matched a strong Liverpool side in an evenly contested first half, before Liverpool went in front three minutes after the break.
After neat build-up play, the ball popped up to Benteke, who controlled on his chest before rifling an unstoppable volley past Swindon ‘keeper Lawrence Vigouroux.
Swindon responded and stunned Liverpool just after the hour mark.
Former Tottenham striker John Obika picked up a pass on the right hand side of the penalty area before cutting inside and finishing past visiting ‘keeper Adam Bogdan.
The League One side looked as if they would hold on for a draw but Liverpool, who’d just returned from a pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia, struck three minutes from time through 18-year-old winger Sheyi Ojo after he was played in by Kolo Toure.
Reds manager Brendan Rodgers also handed a debut to Brazilian international forward Roberto Firmino, and will be pleased to end pre-season on a high ahead of their Premier League opener at Stoke City next Sunday.
By AFP
