Werder Bremen 2 - 3 LiverpooL

Andriy Voronin doesn’t appear to be sticking to the script. The free transfer showed the £26 million Torres and the watching Rafa Benitez that he has no intention of sitting on the Anfield bench.

The Reds won 3-2 against one of Germany’s best sides tonight in the most intriguing pre-season game to date.

Andriy Voronin scored twice and was a menace during his time on the pitch. Fernando Torres came on to replace him and had a solid debut - coming close twice to opening his Liverpool account. Good news for reds fans is that Momo Sissoko is starting to find his feet against better opposition.

Liverpool will take heart from this performance and the reds will face Djibril Cisse’s old club, Auxerre, on Friday night.

Teams

Liverpool:
Carson, Riise, Hyypia, Paletta, Finnan, El Zhar, Gerrard MBE, Hobbs, Pennant, Crouch, Voronin

Subs - Agger, Babel, Kuyt, Benayoun, Carragher, Darby, Arbeloa, Torres, Mihaylov, Alonso, Sissoko


Werder Bremen:
Wiese, Baumann, Fritz, Rosenberg, Andreason, Alberto, Frings (captain), Borowski, Niemeyer, Schulz, Schindler.

Subs - Bischoff, Vranjes, Loning, Pellatz, Almelda, Jensen, Wome

Betis Ready To Go For Gonzalez

Newly-appointed Real Betis coach Hector Cuper has approved the Spanish club's move for Liverpool winger Mark Gonzalez.

Betis narrowly avoided relegation from the Primera Liga last season after finishing in 16th place, and are currently busy rebuilding their squad.

Gonzalez, who previously spent a year on loan with Real Sociedad, is thought to be close to finalising his transfer, along with Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo and Argentina striker Mariano Pavone, after failing to establish himself at Anfield.

"We will do everything possible to create a team that is strong but that also has a winning mentality," said Cuper, who was confirmed at Betis on Monday after signing a one-year contract.

"The important thing is that this team has a strong personality.

"They (the club's prospective new signings) are all very good players. Ricardo has a great mentality, Pavone has played well for two years in Argentina and Gonzalez can improve a lot."

Personal comment: Frankly speaking, I do not understand why Benitez would want to sell of Gonzalez. I do admit that the Chilean is finding it tough to adapt in England but then he's on 22 or 23....still plenty of time for him to prove his worth. Maybe it would be better if Gonzalez is loaned out to other Premier League clubs instead of selling him off.